CROWS big man Rhett Biglands is likely to miss the NAB Cup clash with Collingwood in Dubai on Saturday, February 9.

The 30-year-old had hoped to make his return from a full knee reconstruction in the NAB Cup opener, but the club has decided to take a cautious approach with its number one ruckman.

Biglands did not participate in Adelaide’s full-scale competitive session on Wednesday, but trained indoors with fellow comeback kid Trent Hentschel.

The 134-game veteran is, however, expected to play at some stage during the pre-season competition.

Biglands’ absence from training allowed Ivan Maric and Jon Griffin to go head-to-head in a battle for the lead ruckman role against Collingwood.

Griffin, who has opted for a shaved head over his former long locks, was in constant competition with Maric last season for a ruck position after Biglands’ injury.

Maric played the latter-half of 2007 after overcoming a hip injury, but was replaced by Griffin in the club’s elimination final loss to Hawthorn.

Coach Neil Craig described Maric as having trained “unbelievably well” before Christmas and midfielder Chris Knights agreed.

“Ivan’s had a really good pre-season to be honest. He’s fit, strong and he’s done a fair bit of work on his rucking game,” Knights said.

“Today it really showed and he was impressive on the track, which will hold us in good stead to take on Collingwood in Dubai.”

Once Biglands returns to the field, Maric and Griffin are expected to fight for the second ruck spot left vacant by Ben Hudson, who has joined the Western Bulldogs.

“I think Ivan really wanted to have a bit more impact than he did last year, so hopefully this year he consolidates himself and becomes a regular player in the team,” Knights said.

“He really wants to make a stand, not just at our club, but in the AFL and I think that’s what he’s really ready to do. He wants to take on blokes like Hudson and the other big ruckmen out there.”