The Gold Coast SUNS have secured Oleg Markov in a trade with Richmond during the 2020 AFL Trade Period, exchanging a future third round selection in the process.

Markov, 24, has played 23 games for Richmond since being taken at pick 50 in the 2015 NAB AFL Draft.

An athletic half-back, Markov said he was confident he could play a part in helping the club continue to progress.

“I’m excited to be joining the SUNS and to start the next phase of my football career on the Gold Coast,” Markov said.

“I’ve watched the SUNS from afar this year and have been really impressed with the direction of the club and the improvement of the playing group.

“It’s an exciting and committed playing group that I’m joining and I’m looking forward to helping the club achieve success going forward.”

Markov played in Richmond’s 2019 VFL Premiership and after six games in 2020 was named as emergency in each of the Tiger’s finals appearances on the way to their  2020 AFL Grand Final victory.

General Manager - Football Operations Jon Haines said the attributes Markov brings help to address a specific need.

“Over the last two years we’ve had a very targeted approach with who we want to add to our football club. Oleg has come from a successful football program, he is a great character and he helps to address a specific need within our playing list.” Haines said.

Markov’s signing comes after Rory Atkins also joined the club as an Unrestricted Free Agent from Adelaide last week, on the first day of the 2020 AFL Trade Period.

Oleg Markov

DOB: 08/05/1996
Height: 188cm
Weight: 82kg
Games: 23
Goals: 3
Debut: Round 16, 2016 v Western Bulldogs
Draft History: 2015 NAB AFL Draft 3rd Round Selection (Richmond) No. 50 overall