GEELONG will endeavour to lock down its preferred forward structure early in the new year as it flags the potential of Gary Ablett spending more time in attack in 2019.

As big man Esava Ratugolea took strides in his recovery from ankle surgery on Wednesday, Cats assistant Corey Enright was relishing the prospect of having him back to full fitness.

But while Ratugolea and Tom Hawkins appear destined for key posts, a number of small forwards are set to fight for roles alongside recruits Luke Dahlhaus and Gary Rohan.

"We haven't got a set, defined forward structure as yet," Enright said.

"Obviously we did play well last year with Hawkins and Ratugolea as our main targets and (Daniel) Menzel as our third option there.

"We're looking to see what happens and leaving those doors open for these guys to take their spots and seeing which combinations work best."

As the delisted Menzel prepares for his new life at Sydney after playing 13 games in 2018, a logjam of small forwards at the Cattery will see some miss out.

Of the nine smalls used in 2018, seven remain into next year – Brandan Parfitt, James Parsons, Lachie Fogarty, Quinton Narkle, Jamaine Jones, Nakia Cockatoo and Sam Simpson – plus several additions looking for a piece of the action.

"It was probably the knock on us last year, we had a lot of inexperience and younger kids who are still learning the game," Enright said.

"When you're still learning the game and playing as a forward, sometimes it can be hard."

Pressure forward Gryan Miers built a strong case in the VFL in 2018 and will be looking for a debut with draftee Jake Tarca, while Enright called on Parfitt, Fogarty and Narkle – among others – to force their way into the midfield and push Ablett into the front half.

Entering his 18th AFL season where he will turn 35, Ablett could be asked to spend more time as a permanent forward.

"Possibly," Enright said of Ablett's forward chances. "We've probably thrown the door open to a few of these younger guys to take their chances in the midfield.

"We've obviously got a senior and experienced midfield group, but we've thrown the door open to a few of these guys to really challenge our well-established senior players in there.

"The door's always ajar, and if they can knock them out, there's room for them (Ablett, Patrick Dangerfield, Joel Selwood) up in the forward half.

"We just want Gary, if he plays in the front half, to be a part of that group, help us kick goals but also keep the ball up there."