Young defender Billie Smedts is set to miss Geelong’s Round One clash with Adelaide on Thursday night because of injury.

Smedts sustained bone bruising to his leg during Geelong’s practice match against North Melbourne last week.

Smedts will join Nathan Vardy (knee), Allen Christensen (back), Steven Motlop (knee tendonitis) and George Burbury (jaw) on the sidelines for the opening round match at Simonds Stadium, with captain Joel Selwood (hamstring) still to prove his fitness.

Mobile ruckman Mark Blicavs looks set to take the field against the Crows after he was promoted to Geelong’s senior list earlier in the week.

In other news, Cats veteran Jimmy Bartel has relinquished the vice-captaincy and vacated his position in the leadership group at Geelong ahead of the premiership season. Mathew Stokes and Mitch Duncan were both promoted into leadership roles at the club to take the place of the 2007 Brownlow Medallist.