JUMPING Jack Henry looks set to settle into a defensive role after spending last season swinging between the arcs.

The third-year utility looked his most comfortable as a part of the back six last season, something which Henry and assistant coach Matthew Scarlett agree upon.

“Obviously Jack started the year off as a defender and found his way down forward in the back half of the year, but I think we’re going to try and settle Jack down in the backline for most of this pre-season,” Scarlett says.

“Jack can play as a key defender or he can play on small forwards as well so that’s very handy.

“He can play on all types because he’s really quick. He’s an aerobic athlete as well so we’re very comfortable with him playing tall or small as well. Trying to build that backline that can play on all types and mix and match (is important).”

Henry attributes his move into defence with his breakout 2018 season, saying playing behind the ball helped with his transition to AFL level.

“I probably felt a bit more comfortable there last year and started to play a bit more consistent football,” Henry says.

“I moved up forward and tried there again but definitely felt I suited the backline a bit better.

“I’d been playing forward most of my life but once I got the hang of it I gelled with the boys around me and definitely felt more comfortable and happy to play down there (in defence).”

Henry’s breakout season took even Scarlett by surprise, as the spring-heeled defender became an integral part of the back six.

“He had an ordinary pre-season last year, he had a couple of niggles and then played a few VFL games and just started playing really well,” Scarlett says.

“I think his greatest strength other than his athleticism is his temperament.

“Not too much fazes him. He’s got a really good head to play down in the backline. He makes a mistake and gets on with it pretty well.