Henry has locked down one of two key defensive posts.

WHERE Harry Taylor stood for over a decade at full back for the Geelong Cats, now stands Jack Henry.

The 22-year-old with 80 AFL games to his name now takes his position on the last line of the Cats’ defence when the siren sounds at GMHBA Stadium.

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Backline coach Mathew Scarlett has known for some time that the local product, who grew up playing in the shadows of the ground for St Mary’s Football Club, would take the mantle.

“I think he was always going to get that role, it’s just happened a little bit quicker than we all thought,” Scarlett says.

“It’s exciting for the club how quickly he’s developing, and it looks like we’ve got a really good key position player for a long time.”

“He’s getting more responsibility each week and now along with Hendo, is one of our two key position defenders and it’s really good to see him play.”

Henry got his chance to take key position responsibility in Round 8 and hasn’t looked back.

“It happened against Richmond, we gave him the job on Jack Riewoldt and he played really strong,” Scarlett says.

“He’s one of our genuine key position players now.”

The move freed up two-time Carji Greeves medallist Mark Blicavs to spend more time in the ruck when needed, something which gives the Cats great manoeuvrability on matchday.

“It gives the team great flexibility and great confidence now that Jack can do a really good job for the team,” Scarlett says.

“Blitz played back the other night as well and floated between talls and mediums. He’s really good in that role and we know Blitz can play key defender and we’ve obviously needed him in the ruck and on the wing as well this year.”

Henry got the job on Cale Hooker against the Bombers on Friday night, keeping Essendon’s highest goalkicker going into the match without a major on the night.

“Cale’s been really strong this year and gives Essendon a really good target. Jack was able to nullify him and take his few intercept marks,” Scarlett says.

 “I think in the last couple of weeks, his ability to not only beat his opponent but mark the footy as well (has showed). He’s developing really well.”

Despite giving up five centimetres to Hooker, Henry has shown the ability to do a job on the taller key position forwards.

“He’s got an enormous jump and his closing speed as well. He reads the footy really well and he can go from being out of position to being in position really quickly,” Scarlett says.

“His strength is being able to mark it, and if it hits the ground his agility on his opponent as well (is a strength).

“He’s got really good reflexes and second and third efforts.

“He’s using the footy as well Jack, he’s feeling a bit more confident with the footy in his hands and using his speed to get away from the pressure.”

Scarlett believes Henry’s growth means his skillset will soon start to be recognised around the AFL.

“I think he’s developing into a really important part of our team and one of the better key position prospects in the competition,” he says.