Collingwood have pulled off the signing of former Richmond and Gold Coast defender Oleg Markov just days after he was positioned under Carlton's watch, with a stunning list backflip seeing the 26-year-old land on the Magpies' list.
Markov was among several potential Supplemental Selection Period candidates training at Collingwood this pre-season in an attempt to land an AFL list spot.
The Belarusian backman was joined by Rye Penny and Oscar Steene in fighting for a list vacancy at Olympic Park, with the latter earning the promotion earlier this week.
The signing of Steene, coupled with Carlton defender Zac Williams being ruled out for the 2023 season with a ruptured ACL, saw Markov venture to Princes Park in an attempt to potentially fill the void left by Williams in the Blues' backline.
However, Collingwood moved quickly in the back end of this week to sign Markov to their rookie list in what is a dramatic move that has interrupted Carlton's SSP planning.
“Oleg adds depth at a position of need – he has speed and running power – and he is a quality young man who impressed us during his time with us over the preseason,” Collingwood GM of Football Graham Wright said in a club statement.
“We look forward to welcoming Oleg back to our program in the coming days as we continue our preparations for the 2023 season.”
The running defender has 51 games of AFL experience under his belt, having started his career with Richmond in 2016.
Markov played 23 games for the Tigers across five years at Punt Road before defecting to the Gold Coast Suns ahead of the 2021 season.
He would manage 28 games in two years for the Queensland club before being delisted at the end of last year.
Collingwood opened up a list spot for the 2023 season after defender Charlie Dean moved to the club's inactive list following a foot injury.
“We are disappointed for Charlie who has had unfortunate luck with his foot over the past year,” Wright said.
“While Charlie is an extremely resilient footballer, we empathise with him after being so dedicated during a lengthy rehab last season and over the summer break.
“Our program will wrap our arms around Charlie and ensure he is well supported as he recovers.”
Carlton are said to have VFL-listed defender Alex Cincotta in consideration as a train and trial player ahead of the SSP deadline.
AFL clubs have until Wednesday, February 15 to sign players through the SSP.