Geelong have no doubt Lachie Henderson will be able to perform in the key forward role left vacant by star Cat Tom Hawkins' suspension, despite Henderson playing in defence in the five AFL games he has played in 2019.

The veteran swingman has not kicked a goal since the 2017 preliminary final when he played forward, having also appeared there in the previous season's preliminary final against Sydney when he was outpointed.

The Cats have not confirmed that Henderson will once again be thrown inside 50 to cover for Hawkins, however he is a logical option if they choose to keep Harry Taylor in defence on Tom Lynch, leave Jake Kolodjashnij - who was outstanding in the semi-final against West Coast - on Jack Riewoldt and use the athletic Jack Henry on dangerous Tiger Dustin Martin when he goes forward.

Henderson kicked 101 goals in 102 games at Carlton before joining the Cats but has kicked just eight goals in 53 games with Geelong where he has played mainly in defence.