Out-of-sorts Geelong veteran Jimmy Bartel appears likely to keep his spot in the Cats’ team for Friday night’s preliminary final clash against Sydney.

Speculation the 32-year-old would be dropped has mounted after a string of indifferent performances, but coach Chris Scott declared he is “much more likely than unlikely” to play against the Swans.

Lachie Henderson has been passed fit after knee surgery, but Scott would not confirm if the versatile tall would return to the side when he spoke to reporters on Tuesday.