Oleg Markov Biography

Collinwood delists Oleg Markov and Ash Johnson, but have committed to taking the pair in the Rookie Draft.

Oleg Markov becomes a premiership player with Collingwood after almost starting a new chapter away from footy after finishing up at Gold Coast in 2022.

"It definitely crossed my mind most days in the off-season that my AFL career was over. It was more so just trying to find joy in footy. I still wanted to play footy, I just didn't think it was at the AFL level," Markov told AFL.com.au after the Grand Final.

"I thought I couldn't rekindle that spark. I saw it as a chore or as a job, rather than something I once enjoyed as a kid. To come into this environment, I feel like a kid again. I'm able to smile, make mistakes, move on. I'm so grateful for this opportunity."

Collingwood signs Oleg Markov as pre-season Supplemental Selection Period (SSP) signing.

Markov had also been sought out by, and training with, Carlton prior to joining the Magpies.

After being delisted by Gold Coast, Oleg Markov is set to audition for a rookie spot on Collingwood's list ahead of next month's pre-season supplemental selection period deadline.

Oleg Markov is delisted by Gold Coast.

The 26-year-old played 28 games in his two seasons at the Suns after moving from Richmond at the end of the 2020 season, bringing his career total to 51.

"Oleg has made a positive impact on the Gold Coast Suns and we are appreciative of everything he has given the club,” Gold Coast list manager Craig Cameron said.

Oleg Markov says beating the "demons" in his head has helped him return to the Suns' line-up a more confident player.

Markov played 17 games in 2021 after heading north from Richmond before hamstring troubles cut his season short. The problems lingered through the pre-season and after being in-and-out of the team early in 2022, Markov has played the past five matches at half-back and on the wing.

"I had a few niggles late last year and it led in to the off-season, the pre-season and I just didn't have any peace of mind between the mind and the body," Markov said.

"I had no confidence, no continuity with the body. I just battled my own demons in that area, but I'm glad I've overcome that."

Oleg Markov is traded to Gold Coast after signing a two-year deal with the Suns in exchange for a future third-round pick going to the Tigers.

Markov played six games for the Tigers in 2020 but was dropped ahead of the finals campaign and named emergency for the Grand Final.

Oleg Markov informs the Tigers of his desire to be traded to Gold Coast on a two-year deal.

Gold Coast is reported to be eyeing athletic Richmond defender Oleg Markov to fill a void at half-back.

The out-of-contract Tiger is understood to be considering an approach from the Suns where he would join former Richmond teammate Brandon Ellis.

The AFL Live Official App's Telstra Tracker shows Oleg Markov as being the player with the highest speed recorded by a player this season when he ran 37.4km/h against Collingwood in round two.

Oleg Markov signs a new deal with Richmond that will keep him at the club until the end of 2018.

"His speed, athleticism and decision-making are impressive, and we’re really pleased with how he’s adapted to AFL level," Tigers football manager Dan Richardson said.

Oleg Markov credits his famous pole-vaulting father Dmitri in helping him understand the hard work and dedication required to reach the elite level of football.

Dmitri Markov, a Belarusian and Australian pole vault world champion, was on hand as his 20-year-old son gathered a career-high 26 disposals to play a vital role in Richmond's 15-point win over Collingwood at the MCG.

"Dad never pushed me into anything and he was always saying go out, enjoy as many sports as you can – I did tennis, I did gymnastics, I did a whole variety of different sports," Markov said.

"Dad was always one who wouldn't waste time training me if I wasn't working hard.

"He'd say, 'You can go through the motions and float through but that's just a waste of a training session. You might as well not have gone.' Working hard is something I pride myself on."

Oleg Markov makes his AFL debut for Richmond at Docklands Stadium with 18 disposals (15 kicks and 3 handballs), 9 marks and 4 tackles in a 10-point loss to the Western Bulldogs.

Richmond select Oleg Markov with pick No.50 in the NAB AFL Draft.

"Oleg showed a number of great traits as a 19-year-old playing against men," Richmond recruiting manager Francis Jackson said.

"Once again he's top of the tree athletically, with great speed and vertical leap so he can mark the footy.

"I think he's versatile and could start up forward, but he will need to do a bit of work to play in a few other positions."