Talented, young Tiger Oleg Markov is taking nothing for granted as he prepares for his second season of AFL football in 2017.

Markov made an impressive start to his league career at Richmond last year, becoming a regular member of the senior side during the second half of the season.

He debuted in the Round 16 match against the Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium and played eight consecutive games up until the end of the season, earning considerable praise for his pace, poise and precise disposal in a role as a rebounding defender.

Notwithstanding that, Markov believes his place in the Tigers’ line-up for the opening round of the 2017 season against Carlton at the MCG on March 23 is far from assured.

“I feel I was quite gifted with a few games last year due to injury,” Markov said.

“It's no excuse to drop off now. I've still got to establish a spot.

“I'm still no certainty, and the way the boys are training now, anyone could play Round 1.”

The 20-year-old has worked closely with Richmond’s star key backman Alex Rance and the Club’s other defenders throughout the pre-season, as he strives to cement himself in the Tigers’ best 22 for the 2017 season.

“As backmen, we spend a lot of time together,” Markov said.

“We've got a very strong bond. It's not just ‘Rancey’, it's David Astbury, Dylan Grimes, even the run from Brandon Ellis and Taylor Hunt.

“You can learn something of all of them, and they're always willing to stand up and tell you where you can get better and where you were wrong before.”