Oleg Markov is “extremely grateful” to receive an AFL lifeline from Collingwood via the Pre-Season Supplemental Selection period.
The former Tiger and Sun made his way to the AIA Centre this summer after being delisted by Gold Coast with hopes of earning a spot on the Magpies’ rookie list.
Having initially missed out on a spot at Collingwood with the club choosing ruckman Oscar Steene over him, Markov had a “whirlwind” few days. He arrived at Carlton to train before the Magpies came back to offer him a spot after defender Charlie Dean was placed on the inactive list.
Markov described his past week as a “rollercoaster” before he finally put pen to paper on a one-year rookie deal.
“It was an absolute whirlwind few days, I’ve spoken about it before it’s the rollercoaster of footy,” Markov said on SEN Sportsday.
“I had an absolute low into a pretty big high and then some optimism with a bit of uncertainty.
“Before you knew it, I was on a list, so it was a different time for me but I’m extremely grateful for both clubs and what they did for me.”
While the 26-year-old initially was overlooked by the Magpies, Markov says he left his then final meeting with coach Craig McRae more optimistic than ever that he’d continue his AFL career, whether it be if an opportunity arose at Collingwood or at another club.
“I had a sit-down meeting with 'Fly' (McRae),” Markov said.
“They explained to me they were going to go with Oscar and he’s a fantastic young man.
“He’s extremely tall, he’s athletic and he’s got a lot of good football ahead of him.
“I sort of knew that conversation was going to happen one way or another whether it was for Oscar or myself.
“He’s a different player to myself but when that conversation happened, I never felt Fly extinguished my flame, if anything he added wood and kindling to it.
“I left more hungry, I had a lot of closure with myself personally knowing I still wanted to be a footballer, give it a red hot crack and that I am good enough.
“I’m happy it’s fallen the way it has.”
Spending just one day at Carlton before heading back to Collingwood, Markov says he was incredibly impressed with both clubs and was simply happy to be offered an opportunity by one of them.
“They’re extremely similar, they’re fantastic clubs with a lot of history,” Markov said.
“You’re really splitting hairs with it all, Carlton had an incredible new facility.
“I was still very overwhelmed and was riding the rollercoaster.
“To be honest, they’re two fantastic clubs and I’m very grateful to be a part of one of them.”
After 23 games with Richmond and 28 games with Gold Coast, Markov understands what his best looks like at AFL level.
“I think just consistency, understanding my role, being very diligent with all of the structures, having a good understanding of my teammates and creating a positive atmosphere around the team,” Markov said on what he hopes to bring to Collingwood.
“It’s all of that with my strengths which are my speed, my carry and just putting my best foot forward.”
While he is coming off the disappointment of being delisted, Markov says his mindset has been all positive since joining Collingwood, something he feels is a by-product of the environment McRae has created.
“At Collingwood the great thing they do and with the environment they’ve got with Fly is that they try to promote you as a person, your strengths and what you can bring,” Markov said.
“Never once have I not walked into the club thinking, ‘I know what my strengths are, my speed, my athleticism, my positivity, my first three steps with my drive’.
“I’ve got a really clear image of me at my best and it gives you a bit of purpose and understanding about why you’re doing things in the gym and on the track.
“I’m not saying putting things you need to work in the shadows and in the darkness but keeping the things you’re good at front of mind.”
Markov could line up for Collingwood for the first time when they face Carlton in an unofficial practice match at Ikon Park on Friday, February 24.