Oleg Markov has again provided the AFL world with a hilarious post-game interview on Saturday night, after his Collingwood side ran riot in the last quarter to overcome North Melbourne at Marvel Stadium.
Markov, who wasn’t even in the Magpies’ 26-man squad less than two hours before the first bounce, was at Bunnings Warehouse when he received a call from coach Craig McRae informing him of his shock call-up.
McRae labelled his late, late inclusion as “one in a thousand” in his post-game press conference, after Norm Smith Medallist Bobby Hill was withdrawn from the squad altogether due to personal reasons.
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Given the exceptional circumstances surrounding his withdrawal, it meant Markov skyrocketed from not even being the emergency, to starting as the sub against the Kangaroos.
The 2023 premiership Pie made the absolute most of his second opportunity at the top level this year, injected into the same before quarter time after a foot injury sidelined teammate Brayden Maynard.
Markov kicked just his eighth career goal from 88 matches amid Collingwood’s eight-goal final term flurry, and provided one of the season’s best celebrations, inspired by young son Lenny.
“I’m just really grateful to be here, I’m just having fun (and) all the boys know that,” Markov told three-time premiership Cam Mooney on Fox Footy post-game.
“I don’t kick many goals; I would’ve done the ‘baby cradle’, but he’s already starting to walk. He throws his hands up, and he marches. That’s to my little one, Lenny!
“I got the call at about 3:30pm today, I was walking out of Bunnings. I was meant to do some flooring, I’m doing a ‘reno’. I guess playing at Marvel is definitely better than doing flooring. I’m very grateful I got the call (to play) from Fly … I actually missed it, my hands were full!”
Markov, who began his AFL career at Richmond, spent four years at Punt Road before a move to the Gold Coast. He played 28 games in two seasons under Stuart Dew, before moving south to Victoria and Collingwood.
The 29-year-old played a crucial role in his third AFL club’s premiership side two years ago, but has since seen notably less opportunity at the top level. But as the humble character he is, Markov appreciates every second of it — a key trait coach McRae also observes.
“He’s got a great personality … I just thought: ‘Geez, I love coaching this kid’. It doesn’t matter what it is, he’ll come in and do it. And then he gets to the ground and says: ‘I couldn’t hear a word you said!’” the Collingwood head coach told journalists post-game.
“It’s great to have guys like him that just want to come in, and (are) all for the team.”
Speaking on his side’s late double blow to their starting 23, which also saw 412-game veteran Scott Pendlebury withdraw with gastro, McRae was pleased with how his side handled the change in personnel.
McRae proud of Pies fight in win vs. NM | 06:58
“We got information this afternoon that ‘Pendles’ was not well, he’s got gastro and not able to get up,” McRae said.
“I won’t go into Bobby’s stuff because that’s really quite personal and not for me to talk about.
“But we thank the AFL for their understanding, this happens what once in a thousand, I don’t remember the last time we had a late withdrawal.
“To be able to think on our feet a bit and get things where they need to be was again another pleasing part of the game. Some guys weren’t even playing up until an hour before the game.”
And as for his words on Markov’s celebration and pre-game Bunnings appearance?
“I said: ‘I might need you mate, we’ve got a few things happening.’ He goes, ‘Yep, whatever you need coach!’” McRae smirked.
“His little boy Lenny took his first steps this week, and he sent me a video. I think he’s only nine months old Lenny, and he’s gone from crawling to running — he’s literally running!
“He’s got some amazing genes from his grandfather (who’s an) Olympian, and Oleg’s got some huge athletic capabilities. I think he was just sending a message to home.”
Markov also told Fox Footy post-match that this season has had shades of their premiership year in 2023, with a ceiling much higher than the roof they played under at Docklands for the first time this year.
“Definitely (feels like 2023). It’s a different year, we’ve got different personnel, but everyone’s playing to their strengths. Who knows where the ceiling is here, it’s definitely above this Marvel one. The world’s our oyster!
“Everyone is compliant to their role. It’s a system, we don’t need individual brilliance.”
The Magpies have a six-day break before a blockbuster clash with Hawthorn on Friday night at the MCG.
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