Oleg Markov’s resurrection from two-time AFL discard is complete after earning a spot on Collingwood’s senior list.
The speedy half-back was one of the stories of the 2023 season, having been left on the AFL scrapheap by the struggling Gold Coast at the end of 2022, only for eventual premiers Collingwood to swoop in and find a crucial role for him on grand final day.
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The 27-year-old won a spot on Collingwood’s rookie list in February when he signed as a pre-season supplemental selection, despite initially being overlooked by the Pies.
An unsuccessful training stint at Collingwood was followed by an invitation from Carlton, who eventually chose Adam Cincotta over Markov for their final list spot.
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But the speedster finally earned his lifeline when the Pies backflipped to call him back and offer a position.
After being made to wait until Round 4 to play in the senior team, Markov then didn’t miss a game for the rest of the season, playing 20 games, including the three finals, on his way to becoming a premiership player.
The success of Markov at half-back ultimately cost John Noble his spot in the team on the eve of the finals, despite having played 83 consecutive senior games.
Oleg Markov has earned his place on Collingwood’s senior list. Credit: Getty
Having seen enough from their persistent dasher, the Pies have now offered Markov a one-year deal on their senior list.
Ash Johnson has also been elevated from the rookie list on a two-year deal, having played 15 games before falling out of favour in the latter parts of the season, partly due to injury.
Markov was traded to the Suns from Richmond in 2020 for a late future pick after just 23 games in five years at Tigerland.
He managed just 28 games in two years at the Suns before being delisted.
The Magpies have two picks inside 33 at this month’s national draft.
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