AFL: Collingwood delist Ash Johnson and Oleg Markov, commit to bring them back through rookie draft
WA product Ash Johnson is set to receive a rookie-list lifeline from Collingwood despite being delisted by the Magpies.
Johnson and 2023 premiership defender Oleg Markov were on Tuesday told they would be cut from the Pies’ main list, with a commitment from the club to redraft them in November’s rookie draft.
Having joined Collingwood in the 2021 mid-season draft, Johnson burst onto the scene late in 2022, booting 10 goals in his first four games.
The Halls Creek forward played 15 games the following year, but was squeezed out of the side late in the season for the Magpies’ eventual path to the flag.
Johnson made just three AFL appearances this year, including just one after the opening fortnight of the season.
Camera IconJohnson celebrates a goal in 2023. Credit: Dylan Burns/AFL Photos
Collingwood’s delisting call came as the club re-signed Charlie Dean, Ned Long, Reef McInnes, and Lachie Sullivan on one-year deals.
“Charlie and Reef have had their own injury struggles, but their ongoing resilience has enabled them to easily slot back into our system,” Magpies list boss Justin Leppitsch said.
“Since joining us, Ned and Lachie have shown great determination to learn our game plan and have seamlessly integrated into the team.
“All four players have added value to both our AFL and VFL programs and we look forward to seeing each of them take their football to another level next year.”
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