Collingwood farewells Oleg Markov and three teammates after finals exit
Collingwood has made some tough calls following their preliminary final exit, and one of the most notable names among the departures is Oleg Markov. The club confirmed that Markov, along with Charlie Dean, Ash Johnson, and Fin Macrae, will not be offered contracts for the 2026 season.
Markov’s journey at Collingwood was short but memorable. He joined the Magpies ahead of the 2023 season through the Supplementary Selection Period and quickly cemented his place in the side. That same year, he became part of Collingwood’s premiership-winning team, a moment that will no doubt define his legacy in black and white. Over his time at Collingwood, he played 43 games, adding to the 51 he had already accumulated across stints with Richmond and the Gold Coast Suns. While 2023 was a career highlight, 2025 saw his opportunities limited, with his final senior appearance coming in Round 21.
Also Read:Charlie Dean was another player thanked for his service. Selected with the second pick in the 2022 Rookie Draft, he managed 12 games over two seasons, including four this year. Though his career at the club was brief, he showed promise when called upon, especially during his debut in 2024.
Ash Johnson, known for his aerial ability and sharp goal sense, was unfortunately sidelined for much of 2025 after fracturing his fibula in a VFL pre-season match. His best year came in 2023 when he booted 21 goals from 15 games, giving fans plenty of excitement. Sadly, injuries hampered his ability to build on that momentum, and he leaves Collingwood with 27 senior games to his name.
Fin Macrae, drafted at pick 19 in 2020, struggled to fully break into the senior side across his five seasons. He made nine appearances in his debut year but found himself battling injuries and strong competition for spots in the midfield. His 2025 campaign was disrupted by a shoulder injury, although he returned late in the year to feature in the VFL.
General Manager of List and Talent Strategy, Justin Leppitsch, acknowledged the significance of these departures, noting how difficult this time of year always is. He praised the professionalism of the players and expressed gratitude for their contributions. Special mention was given to Markov for his impact on the 2023 premiership, while Dean, Johnson, and Macrae were all commended for their resilience and commitment during their time at the club.
Collingwood’s season ended just shy of another Grand Final appearance, and these list changes signal the beginning of their next phase. While fans will remember Markov as a cult hero who played a crucial role in the 2023 triumph, all four players leave having left their mark in different ways. The club has wished them the best as they move forward into new chapters, both on and off the field.
Read More:
0 Comments