Geelong star Patrick Dangerfield says the Cats have had the perfect preparation ahead of Sydney clash

PATRICK Dangerfield says Hawthorn’s second-half semi-final fadeout proves how valuable Geelong’s week of rest will be.

Patrick Dangerfield is happy with Geelong’s finals preparation. Picture: Michael Klein

PATRICK Dangerfield says Hawthorn’s second-half semi-final fadeout proves how valuable Geelong’s week of rest will be ahead of Friday’s preliminary final.

The Cats will bask in 14 days of rest ahead of their clash against a Sydney side that has just six days to recover before travelling to Melbourne.

Not since the days of the final five, when the top team earned a week of rest in the first week of the finals, has the AFL had such a unique September situation.

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Geelong’s only game in a 27-day stretch between their August 27 Round 23 win and the September 23 preliminary final has been the qualifying final victory.

Triple premiership coach Leigh Matthews questioned whether there was a spot for Lachlan Henderson in the Cats defence.

Geelong and Hawthorn engaged in a tough clash last week. Picture: Getty Images

But he is certain to come back — likely as a forward — and Dangerfield says the club’s lead-in has been ideal.

“It is (the right preparation) and it certainly looked that way the second half of the Hawthorn-Western Bulldogs game,’’ he said.

“It was such a physical encounter last week. Come Monday afternoon quite a few of our boys were still really fatigued from the Friday night so it certainly took it out of us.

“We were very thankful we were able to get over the line and Hawthorn found the going pretty tough (against the Bulldogs).

“We certainly won’t be using the week off as an excuse as to why we have or haven’t performed because it’s such an exciting time of the year.”

Matthews told Channel Seven he was unsure if Henderson would get back into a tall Cats backline.

“I don’t think he’s any certainty to get a game. You have got (Tom) Lonergan, (Harry) Taylor, (Andrew) Mackie and the Swans don’t have a lot of height in their forward line,’’ he said.

“Their mediums and smalls are the problem. I don’t think he’s any certainty.”

But Henderson was thrown forward in the last two home-and-away rounds and seems likely to play in attack alongside Tom Hawkins.

Chris Scott’s conundrum is who to drop to make room for the ex-Carlton forward, who has missed a month after knee surgery.

Joel Selwood and Patrick Dangerfield will be targeted by the Swans. Picture: Getty Images

Tom Ruggles will likely be needed on a player like Tom Papley, Ben McGlynn or Isaac Heeny, Jake Kolodjashnij has played 19 games this year and Josh Cowan has played the last eight games.

That selection pressure has seen scrutiny over Jimmy Bartel’s spot, with Scott refusing to guarantee him a place in the side last Monday.

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Bartel’s perfect match-up as a half forward keeping rebounder Jarrad McVeigh in check evaporated when the Sydney captain suffered a calf injury.

Dangerfield said on 3AW that Henderson had dispelled any doubts over his fitness at training on Saturday.

“He moved around really well, he wasn’t modified in any way so he was full contact, he moved really well and I expect him to put his hand up for selection.”

Originally published as Geelong star Patrick Dangerfield says the Cats have had the perfect preparation ahead of Sydney clash