Richmond’s second selection in the recent AFL National Draft, Oleg Markov, caught up with ‘Roar Vision’ on the Club’s pre-season training camp at Palm Cove to discuss his transition to Tigerland.
Pre-season camp reflections
“The first pre-season camp, it’s been pretty tough . . . but all the coaches and all the players have been very welcoming.”
Settling in at Tigerland
“I’m living with Dylan (Grimes) and ‘Drummo’ (Nathan Drummond) at the moment, and their girlfriends and Dylan’s little dog Gus. It’s been a pretty awesome place to stay and they’ve been the best people to be around at the moment. And, all the coaches . . . ‘Choco’ (Mark Williams), and ‘Dimma’ (Damien Hardwick) has definitely helped out, and ‘Fly’ (Craig McRae). So, it’s a joy.”
Top Tiger role models
“Dylan and Drummo are both very professional. I do admire them for that. Drummo’s never late, always on time, if not, he’s half an hour early. So, half the time, he’s already leaving (to go to training) and I’m still getting ready. So, there’s plenty to learn, and they’ve been the best role models for me so far. They’ve definitely made me feel like a Tiger already.”
Surreal feeling
“In a way, it still hasn’t sunken in . . . Every time I walk through the doors at Richmond, you see the big logo and all the values, and you still can’t believe that you’ve made it this far. But, in a way, it’s just the start of the journey . . . there’s plenty more to come.”
Family ties
“Mum and dad definitely know what it’s like to be an elite athlete. So, they’ve definitely been supporting and everything like that. They were over the moon (when he was drafted by Richmond) . . . they were probably as excited as I was.”
Up and about
“I’ve just come in with excitement and enthusiasm. I still think I’m running off that at the moment . . . I’ve definitely been myself and I haven’t shied away or gone into any shell. All the boys really do enjoy it, and they’re glad that I speak up.
Inspired by Tiger stars
“You definitely want to try and take tips and tricks from all of the boys. Jack Riewoldt’s one-on-one marking, his forward movements and patterns, are incredible. And, the way ‘Lids’ (Brett Deledio) trains and goes about it, is definitely something I admire and want to be like.”
Forward thinking
“The coaches have given me a little bit of a hint, here and there, of what they want. But, at the moment, just being that complete forward, who can kick goals and produce a lot of pressure. I definitely want to use my speed as an asset . . . chase people down and pressure them up.”
Aiming for the opening round
“I guess it’s everyone’s dream to play Round 1 and get a win as well. So, for me, I’m going to just develop as best as I can, put my hand up as high as I can, and fingers crossed . . .”
