BIG QUESTIONS Compiled by Nick Wade

WHERE WILL LACHIE HENDERSON PLAY?

Lachie Henderson has had more success at Geelong as a defender than a forward, but where exactly will he fit? When Harry Taylor returned the other week, the Cats didn’t want to unsettle the defence, so Taylor went forward. There is a suspicion Henderson may do the same today, especially after taking Wylie Buzza’s place in the team. Based on the side named on Thursday night, Tom Hawkins has no tall for support if Henderson doesn’t go forward. This, of course, could all change if first emergency Ryan Abbott comes into the side and pushes Rhys Stanley forward.

CAN CATS STILL MAKE FINALS?

The Cats have lost three of their past four, but are still in the top eight after a stack of results have gone their way. Champion Data rates Geelong a 32 per cent chance to make the top four and a healthy 90 per cent to make the finals. But that will all change today if the Cats get rolled by the Dees in a match statistically pencilled in for a win.

DOES GMHBA STADIUM ACTUALLY SUIT THE DEMONS?

Melbourne co-captain Nathan Jones believes it could ( Geelong Advertiser, Tuesday). While Geelong rarely loses a lowscoring arm-wrestle, the Cats are vulnerable when the game opens up. The last thing Geelong wants to do is get into a shootout. Melbourne is the highest-scoring team in the AFL and ranks high in a number of areas relating to ball movement. Geelong has an elite defence. Something has to give today. Can the Cats stifle the Demons or will Melbourne’s turbocharged midfield get the game on their terms and turn the match into a one-on-one battle? With Max Gawn’s sublime hit-outs to advantage feeding a deep Melbourne midfield that was mesmerising in the second half against the Dogs last week, the Dees have a significant headstart.