Days after signing on with his third AFL club as a delisted free agent, dashing defender Oleg Markov has claimed he won't simply be making up the numbers as a Magpie this year.
The moustachioed rebounder agreed to terms with Collingwood on Friday, capping the Pies' list ahead of their opening pre-season hitout against Carlton at Princes Park on February 24.
The unofficial bout has earned a shade of extra significance given Markov had been training with the Blues within the past fortnight in the hopes of earning a place off half-back following Zac Williams' ACL tear earlier this month.
Yet, with opportunity also available to the former Tiger and Sun at the AIA Centre in a role under his former VFL mentor and Collingwood's current head coach Craig McRae, Markov opted to make his mark as a Magpie.
Speaking for the first time since officially joining the Woods, Markov stated that he wasn't planning on letting his third chance at AFL longevity pass him by.
"I am not here to play VFL footy, I am here to play the highest level I can... At the moment I have been training down back... with the roll of running off half back," the 26-year-old toldย RSN Breakfast.
While steadfast, Markov will face stiff opposition for a starting post in the Pies' back-six, with John Noble, Scott Pendlebury and Isaac Quaynor all primed to start for McRae's men.
However, with Jack Crisp and Nick Daicos expected to spend more time in midfield across the course of the 2023 season, a spot in the amended rotation could well open for Markov.
Despite being delisted by the Suns at the cessation of last season, the Belarusian backman managed means of 15.6 disposals, 3.4 rebound 50s and 2.4 inside 50s from his 11 starts.
Markov will be granted a chance to press for a Round 1 birth when facing the Blues before travelling south to do battle Hawthorn at York Park on Thursday, March 2.
