Geelong ruckman Mark Blicavs is set to lead the Cats in the ruck against Adelaide after earning promotion to Geelong’s senior list.

Long-term injuries to teammates Allen Christensen (back), Nathan Vardy (knee) and Daniel Menzel (knee) have opened up a trio of senior spots on the Cats’ roster, with Blicavs given the nod ahead of the premiership season.

The athletic former steeple-chaser played 22 games last season, including three finals, after earning a temporary upgrade to the senior list early in the year. However Blicavs was returned to the rookie roster at the end of the year as part of Geelong’s list management strategy.

Blicavs, who turns 23 later this month, had 11 disposals, five hit outs, five marks and booted a goal in the Cats’ Round 17 loss to the Crows last year.

The 198 cm ruckman looks likely to play alongside captain Joel Selwood, who suffered a hamstring scare in Geelong’s NAB Challenge match against Melbourne, and Billie Smedts, who escaped with a reprimand after being reported by umpires during the same match.

Adelaide opens its 2014 campaign against the Cats on March 20 in a Thursday night clash at Simonds Stadium.