Recently delisted Gold Coast defender Oleg Markov is reportedly set to join Collingwood's training program at Olympic Park as early as next week as he eyes an AFL lifeline.
Markov was cut from the Suns' squad at the cessation of last season after two years with the Queensland club, where he played 28 matches.
His stint on the Gold Coast came after moving north from Richmond, with Markov having begun his career at Punt Road after being plucked out of North Adelaide through the 2015 National Draft.
The Belarus-born backman managed 23 games in the yellow and black between 2016-2020, however, did not feature in any of the club's three AFL premierships during his time with the Tigers.
Markov now finds himself on the verge of returning to the AFL landscape, with the 26-year-old having been invited to train under Magpies senior coach Craig McRae this pre-season, according toย AFL.com.au'sย Josh Gabelich.
The Magpies have already been trialling train-on players Oscar Steene and Max Guehrer this summer, while overlooked draft talent Rye Perry is also tipped to join Collingwood's pre-season program ahead of the 2023 season.
Oleg Markov has been invited to trial for a spot on Collingwoodโs rookie list ahead of the SSP deadline on Feb 15. The former Gold Coast and Richmond defender is expected to start training at the AIA Centre next Monday. More on @AFLcomau
— Josh Gabelich (@JoshGabelich) January 10, 2023
Markov beats out the trio with his AFL experience, which is sure to place the dashing defender in a strong seat to land at a third AFL club.
Markov is expected to begin training with the Magpies from next Monday, giving him a month until the Supplemental Selection Period deadline on February 15 to impress McRae.
Both Steene and Guehrer firm as potential ruck options for the Magpies to consider, having lost Brodie Grundy to Melbourne in the off-season to see their ruck depths take a hit.
Guehrer, a retired beach volleyballer, could be considered for a Category B Rookie spot given his code-hopping abilities.
Perry is an impressive athletic defender that went uncalled at last year's National Draft after a strong season with the Calder Cannons.
Collingwood could decide to go against handing a rookie list spot to any of their four train-on players, potentially holding the vacancy for the 2023 Mid-Season Draft instead.
