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GEELONG has been dealt an injury blow on the eve of the finals with defender Lachie Henderson having surgery on his right knee on Tuesday.

The Cats have described the surgery as minor and remain hopeful the 26-year-old will play finals.

Henderson hurt his knee in the final quarter of the game against the Brisbane Lions, with scans on Monday revealing damage that required an arthroscopy.

Geelong football manager Steve Hocking said the timing of Henderson's injury was unfortunate.

"The timing of Lachie’s injury isn’t ideal but the pre-finals bye will gift him with more time to recover," Hocking said.
 
"Lachie has been an important part of our team this year and we are optimistic he will see finals football."

Henderson was traded from Carlton to Geelong at the end of last season and has been one of the Cats best players in 2016.

He played in attack against the Lions after spending most of the season in defence.