Pies’ contract guarantee lures ex-Tiger from Blues; Stengle re-signs at Cats

Key points

• Ex-Tiger and Sun Oleg Markov will play for Collingwood this year after signing an SSP deal.
• Markov’s chance came when the Magpies placed Charlie Dean on the inactive list for 2023.
• Carlton look likely to offer their list vacancy to VFL-listed Alex Cincotta after Markov’s decision. 

In today’s AFL briefing, your daily wrap of footy news:

• Oleg Markov gets an AFL lifeline after an injury to a Magpies defender.
• Premiership Cat re-signs until the end of 2024.

Pies swoop on Markov after Dean re-injured

Collingwood defender Charlie Dean’s re-fractured right foot has led to Oleg Markov scoring another AFL lifeline.

The Magpies swooped in on Thursday to offer the former Tiger and Sun a deal after he just started training at Carlton in the hope of filling Zac Williams’ spot on the list, following the dashing Blue’s season-ending ACL setback.

That guaranteed offer, via the pre-season supplemental selection period, which ends next Wednesday, was enough to prise Markov from Carlton, who are still weighing up how to replace Williams.

The Markov contract is now awaiting league approval before becoming official.

They have trialled one of their VFL-listed players, Alex Cincotta, across the summer, and he is now in pole position to score his AFL shot in the navy blue.

Collingwood defender Charlie Dean’s continued bad injury luck has opened the door for Oleg Markov.Credit:AFL Photos

Markov previously had a training stint at Collingwood, who instead opted to sign West Adelaide beanpole Oscar Steene at the start of this week to bolster the club’s ruck depth after trading Brodie Grundy to Melbourne last year.

But ex-VFL standout Dean’s horror luck since earning his shot at the highest level continued last week after he made only two reserves appearances in 2022 due to two separate injuries on the same foot.

The Pies will place the 21-year-old on the inactive list, which opens a list vacancy for hard-running backman Markov, who played 28 of his 51 AFL matches in the past two seasons for Gold Coast.

Collingwood general manager of football Graham Wright said Dean’s latest injury was disappointing.

Oleg Markov is heading to Collingwood.Credit:AFL Photos

“While Charlie is an extremely resilient footballer; we empathise with him after being so dedicated during a lengthy rehab last season and over the summer break,” Wright said.

“Our program will wrap our arms around Charlie and ensure he is well-supported as he recovers.”

Dean and the Magpies will consult a specialist before determining how best to treat this latest foot setback.

Star Cat describes one-year extension as ‘right thing for me’

All-Australian Cat Tyson Stengle won’t be looking for a fourth AFL club this year after extending his stay in Geelong until the end of 2024.

The 24-year-old small forward joined the Cats as a delisted free agent in November 2021 – although Collingwood flirted with selecting him in the mid-season draft – after a series of off-field indiscretions that led to Adelaide terminating his contract eight months earlier.

There was never any doubt about Stengle’s ability, going back to his early days at Richmond, but Eddie Betts’ presence at Geelong helped bring out his best on all fronts as he kicked 53 goals in 25 games last season.

Only the Brisbane Lions’ Charlie Cameron (54) managed more goals in 2022 among small forwards.

Tyson Stengle has signed a short contract extension with Geelong.Credit:AFL Photos

Stengle’s career-best season was fittingly rewarded with All-Australian selection, in the same forward line as his premiership teammates Jeremy Cameron and Tom Hawkins, with all three a key factor in the Cats’ dominance.

His short extension may raise eyebrows, but he said it was the “right” call for him, and he planned to be at the club for many years ahead.

“I’m really happy to sign an extension to stay at Geelong,” Stengle said.

“Right now, signing a 12-month extension was the right thing for me; however, I see a long football future for myself here at Geelong.

“I’m really enjoying being part of this playing group and I feel really connected to my teammates.

“Last year was a memorable year for the club and for me personally, and for the next two years I’m looking forward to working hard to keep improving and doing myself, my family and the Cats fans proud.”

Stengle kicked three or more goals in 12 of his 25 matches last year, including four in the grand final, which helped placed him third in Norm Smith Medal voting to cap his incredible resurgence.

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