The Collingwood Football Club thanks Charlie Dean, Ash Johnson, Fin Macrae and Oleg Markov for their time in black and white, after informing them that they will not be offered contracts for 2026.
Markov joined Collingwood through the Supplementary Selection Period (SSP) signing ahead of the 2023 season. Markov went on to become a Premiership player in the same year and played a total of 43 games for the Pies, adding to his 51 from his time at Richmond and Gold Coast Suns.
Dean was selected by the Pies with the second pick in the 2022 Rookie Draft and made his debut in the Opening Round of the 2024 season. Dean played eight games throughout 2024, adding a further four this year.
Johnson was sidelined for the majority of the 2025 season after he fractured his fibula in a VFL pre-season game. The forward had a career-best year in 2023, where he kicked 21 goals from 15 games.
Drafted at pick 19 in the 2020 National Draft, Macrae made his debut in round five the following year and played nine games in his maiden season. A shoulder injury hindered his 2025 campaign, returning to play the final four VFL games for the year.
General Manager of List and Talent Strategy Justin Leppitsch thanked the group for their contribution to the Collingwood Football Club.
“This time of year is always difficult, but we commend the group on the maturity and respect they’ve shown throughout this process,” Leppitsch said.
“We thank Oleg for his contributions to our Club. He played a key role in the 2023 AFL Premiership and has had a profound impact on our AFL program.
“Ash, Charlie and Fin, thank you for your dedication and commitment to the Club throughout your time in the black and white. They’ve all shown great resilience and have all left a long-lasting impact on the playing group.
“All four individuals are quality people, and we do sincerely wish each of them the best with their next chapter, on and off the field.”
