Geelong tall Lachie Henderson looks set to return from a knee injury for next Friday night's preliminary final.

Henderson had arthroscopic surgery on his knee after Geelong's Round 22 win over Brisbane and subsequently missed the Cats' Round 23 clash with Melbourne and qualifying final win over Hawthorn.

However, the former Blue trained strongly in an hour and a half long session on Saturday and looks all but certain to be welcomed back for the do or die clash.

It gives coach Chris Scott a selection headache following his side's thrilling win over the Hawks last week. Defender Tom Ruggles looms as the unlucky player likely to make way for Henderson.

Geelong will play the winner of tonight's semifinal between Sydney and Adelaide at the SCG.