AFL 2023: Collingwood’s Oleg Markov hails Craig McRae for saving career after Suns move

Gold Coast showed Oleg Markov the door last year. On Saturday night, he hurt his former club wearing black and white. He opens up about his renaissance at Collingwood.

If Collingwood’s season runs deep into September as expected, Oleg Markov’s long-range goal in a 78-point rout of the Suns won’t live long in the memories of many.

But it will in his.

Traded away after 23 games over five seasons at Punt Rd, Markov managed a further 28 starts in two years on the Gold Coast before being shown the door last August.

On Saturday night, he stuck a dagger through the heart of the club that didn’t want him – and his new teammates in black and white made sure to show their appreciation.

Markov had 17 disposals, five intercepts and nine score involvements – third only to Nick Daicos and Scott Pendlebury – in what Collingwood coach Craig McRae declared his best game for the club.

Oleg Markov faced his former club for the first time on Saturday night. Picture: Russell Freeman/AFL Photos

Asked what the differences were between the Suns and Magpies, Markov said it was a simple.

“I think within the four walls I’m valued … feeling valued and feeling wanted, that is an incredible feeling.”

The dashing defender was unwanted by the Suns at the end of last year and he was ready to shut the door on his AFL career, until McRae – a former mentor at Richmond – picked up the phone.

“He’s just a great character,” the Collingwood coach said of Markov.

“The boys love him, he fits in really well.

“We had a need, we wanted someone like Oleg to come in and play a role for us and he’s done that extremely well.

“(Saturday) was the best game he’s played for our club and we wanted to make sure that playing against his old club that we supported him and made sure he really felt at home.”

Less than 10 months ago, Markov was calling QAFL clubs and contemplating life as a full-time support worker.

Now he’s a rusted-on starter for the premiership favourites.

And he owes it all to the man they call ‘Fly’.

“It’s funny how Fly (McRae) works. The way he wraps his arms around you, he almost acts like a bit of a safety net,” Markov said.

“He just keeps reinforcing my strengths. He’s all about role.

“I’m not the one who’s going to get 30 touches – I’ll leave that to Nick Daicos, John Noble and that – I’ve got my own role within the four walls and I’m praised on my role and it isn’t about touches.”

Collingwood players swarm Markov after his goal against the Suns on Saturday night. Picture: Russell Freeman/AFL Photos

Markov’s mandate is defensive pressure and line breaking speed and he strives each day to prove McRae’s decision to pick up the phone was the right one.

He has played every game since breaking into the side in round four and knows that as September approaches, positions will be at a premium at the Pies.

But for a man who has spent much of his AFL career on the periphery, worrying about the future isn’t high on his list of priorities.

“My mentality throughout my day-to-day is that I’m not given anything,” Markov said.

“Regardless of what game I played on the weekend, I go into Tuesday knowing I have to train really well, put my hand up and show Fly how keen and eager I am and give him a bit of a (selection) headache.

“I’m just trying to better myself every day and not get complacent or comfortable.”

Markov during his time at the Suns. Picture: Michael Klein

Markov credits Collingwood coach Craig McRae with reviving his AFL career. Picture: Russell Freeman/AFL Photos

Markov admitted to “mixed emotions” on his Gold Coast return but he harbours no ill-will toward his former club.

“It’s a shame we couldn’t work things out with the Gold Coast – I wish all those boys the best, and I feel like their best footy is ahead of them,” he said.

“I really do hope they make finals and that’s an outcome for them.

“To be honest I have (missed Gold Coast living). I love the sun, I love how it gets up early … but it’s not going anywhere.

“My partner is from the Gold Coast, so I can imagine once footy is finished – whether that be next year, in two years, five years or maybe 10 who knows – I’m sure we’ll finish up here.”