Markov 'gifted' games in 2016Daniel Cherny
The Age
25 January 2017Second-year Richmond defender Oleg Markov concedes he was "gifted" games in 2016 and says he is no lock to make the Tigers' side for round one.
With Richmond effectively out of finals contention by July, Markov became a regular in the second-half of last season, playing eight consecutive games from his debut in round 16, and was praised for his poise.
But 2017 presents a new set of challenges for the South Australian, who believes that he while he has been improving over the pre-season, he is not assuming he will be in Richmond's best 22.
"I feel I was quite gifted with a few games last year due to injury," Markov said in Maroochydore, where the Tigers are this week conducting a pre-season camp.
"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 one."
http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/afl/afl-news/afl-richmond-youngster-oleg-markov-says-he-was-gifted-games-in-2016-20170123-gtx75u.html