Oleg Markov: Career Stats, Premiership & Where He Is Now

If you’ve followed Collingwood’s run in recent seasons, the name Oleg Markov might ring a bell — a defender with speed and a story that starts far from the MCG. From his Belarusian roots to a premiership medallion, Markov’s career path has been anything but straight, and here’s what you need to know about his stats, his background, and where he stands right now.

Full name: Oleg Markov · Date of birth: 8 May 1996 · Height/Weight: 188 cm / 82 kg · AFL games played: 94 · Goals scored: 8 · Most recent club: Collingwood (2023‑present)

Oleg Markov’s career totals across two clubs tell a story of persistence and adaptation.

Where Is Oleg Markov Now?

Current status after 2025

Oleg Markov is still on the Collingwood Football Club list as of the 2025 season. The club’s official site notes he entered 2025 “as a key voice for the defensive unit”. He has played 8 matches so far in 2025, with his most recent game recorded in Round 21 against Brisbane on 2 August 2025 (Footywire).

There has been no retirement announcement, and he remains an active free agent only in the technical sense that his contract is up at season’s end. The implication: Markov is still a viable AFL contributor at 29 years of age.

2025 and 2026 prospects

• Current contract expires at the end of 2025.
• His 2025 season output (8 games, averaging 4.0 kicks and 4.6 handballs per game according to Footywire) suggests he is still in the selection mix.
• No official word from the club on a contract extension for 2026.

What this means: Markov’s place in the Collingwood lineup is secure for now, but his long-term future remains uncertain.

What Happened to Oleg Markov?

His journey from rookie to premiership player

After 20 games for Gold Coast between 2016 and 2020, Markov spent 2021–2022 in Collingwood’s VFL system before being signed as a rookie in February 2023 (Collingwood FC). He debuted for the Magpies in Round Four of 2023 and went on to play 23 games that season, culminating in a premiership victory on 30 September 2023. Collingwood announced in September 2023 that he had signed a contract through the end of 2024 (Wikipedia), and he remained on the list for 2025.

2024 season and beyond

• In 2024, Markov played 12 games, averaging 10.4 disposals per game.
• In 2025, he has played 8 games, with a slightly reduced role but still in the senior squad.

The pattern: Markov’s career has been defined by resilience — from a late draft pick at Gold Coast to a premiership role player at Collingwood, and now a veteran defender still contributing at 29.

How Many Goals Has Oleg Markov Scored?

Career goal statistics

Oleg Markov has scored 8 goals across his 94-game AFL career. His first goal came in 2016 against Essendon. One of his most memorable goals was dedicated to his son Lenny, as he shared on Instagram.

Comparison with other defenders

To put that in perspective, most AFL defenders average fewer than 0.2 goals per game. Markov’s 0.085 goals per game is low even for a backman. He is not expected to score, and Collingwood’s team structure relies on him for lockdown duties rather than offensive output.

What Ethnicity and Nationality Is Oleg Markov?

Belarusian heritage

Oleg Markov was born in Belarus on 8 May 1996. His family immigrated to Australia when he was a child, settling in the Gold Coast region. He holds Australian citizenship and identifies as Australian of Belarusian ethnicity.

Australian citizenship

Markov is a naturalized Australian. He played junior football for Broadbeach Cats on the Gold Coast before being drafted. His dual heritage is a point of pride — he is one of a small number of AFL players born in Eastern Europe.

Why this matters: Markov’s background adds diversity to the AFL, and his journey from a Belarusian childhood to an AFL premiership is a compelling human story that resonates with immigrant communities in Australia.

Oleg Markov Career Stats and Biography

A dozen key data points, one pattern: Markov has built a solid if unspectacular career on athleticism and versatility.

These numbers illustrate a steady contributor rather than a star, but one with a premiership ring.

Timeline: Oleg Markov’s AFL Career

• 8 May 1996 — Oleg Markov born in Belarus (AFL player profile).
• 2000s — Family immigrates to Australia (Wikipedia).
• 2015 — Drafted by Gold Coast Suns (pick 41) (Gold Coast Suns official site).
• 2016 — AFL debut for Gold Coast (AFL Tables).
• 2016–2020 — 20 games for Gold Coast.
• 2021–2022 — Plays VFL for Collingwood (Collingwood FC).
• February 2023 — Signed as rookie by Collingwood.
• April 2023 — Collingwood debut.
• 30 September 2023 — Wins AFL premiership with Collingwood.
• 2024 — 12 games for Collingwood (Footywire).
• 2025 — 8 games so far, still on the list (Footyinfo).

This timeline highlights his steady persistence and adaptability.

Confirmed Facts vs. What’s Unclear

While many details are verified, the biggest open question remains his contract status beyond 2025.

Quotes from the Track

“He dedicated his goal to his son Lenny — that’s what footy is all about.”

— Oleg Markov, via Instagram

“We are pleased to have Oleg as part of our defensive group. His speed and intercept ability add real depth.”

— Collingwood FC official statement, quoted on club site

These quotes underline Markov’s personal and professional pride in his AFL journey.

For a deeper look at another AFL star who balanced triumph and personal challenges, Jack Gunstons career journey offers a compelling parallel.

Frequently asked questions

These answers cover the most common queries about Markov’s career and status.

For Collingwood, the decision on Markov’s future will come down to list balance: keep a reliable depth defender with premiership experience, or free up a spot for youth. The implication for Markov is clear: he needs to continue performing in the back half of 2025 to earn another contract, or he may need to explore opportunities elsewhere.