In a major shake‑up following their preliminary final exit, Collingwood Football Club has informed Charlie Dean, Ash Johnson, Fin Macrae and Oleg Markov that they will not be offered contracts for the 2026 season. (collingwoodfc.com.au)
A Tough Off-season Decision
Collingwood’s 2025 campaign ended in disappointment, falling short in the penultimate match. In the wake of that, the club has moved quickly to adjust their list, making some difficult but perhaps necessary calls on player futures. (afl.com.au)
The four players now delisted represent a cross‑section of experience, potential, and resilience — each with different stories behind their time at the club.
Player Profiles & What Led to the Decision
Oleg Markov
A veteran defender, Markov became a premiership player in 2023 after joining Collingwood via the Supplementary Selection Period. (collingwoodfc.com.au) He played 43 games in black & white but struggled for consistent form more recently. (collingwoodfc.com.au) His experience and culture contributions are lauded, but the club has opted to move on. (afl.com.au)
Fin Macrae
Drafted at pick 19 in the 2020 national draft, Macrae showed promise early in his career. (collingwoodfc.com.au) However, injuries and an inability to cement a regular senior spot plagued his time at the club. (FOX SPORTS) He played 21 senior games during his stint, but struggled to break into the side in 2025. (FOX SPORTS)
Charlie Dean
Dean came through the rookie draft, making his debut in 2024. (collingwoodfc.com.au) Over his tenure, he managed 12 AFL appearances. (Zero Hanger) While his dedication was evident, the club evidently determined his role moving forward would not include a senior spot. (collingwoodfc.com.au)
Ash Johnson
Johnson’s career at Collingwood had its highs — notably in 2023, when he kicked 21 goals across 15 games. (collingwoodfc.com.au) But 2025 proved difficult: a fractured fibula and limited opportunities curtailed his playing time. (collingwoodfc.com.au) Over his time at the club, he played 27 games. (Zero Hanger)
Club Statement & Next Steps
Justin Leppitsch, Collingwood’s General Manager of List & Talent Strategy, acknowledged how challenging delistings always are. (afl.com.au) He extended gratitude to the departing players for their professionalism and contributions. (afl.com.au)
From the club’s official announcement:
“We thank Oleg for his contributions to our club … Ash, Charlie and Fin … have all shown great resilience … We wish them the best with their next chapter, on and off the field.” (afl.com.au)
At this stage, no public statement has been made about delisting them and then re-drafting them in a different capacity (e.g. rookie list). (collingwoodfc.com.au)
Implications & What It Means for Collingwood’s List
- Open spots for new talent: By clearing four senior list spots, Collingwood frees up space for new draftees, recruits, or re-crafted players.
- Youth and development priority: The departures may signal a shift toward giving more opportunities to younger or developing players.
- Risk vs reward: While the delisted players still have value — especially Markov’s premiership experience and Johnson’s past goal output — the club evidently believes their futures lie elsewhere.
- Pathways forward: The delisted players could be picked up by other clubs in delisted free agency or even be re-drafted by Collingwood in another list capacity, though nothing of that nature has been confirmed.
This marks a poignant moment in Collingwood’s 2025 transition. The club is drawing a line under certain chapters, but as always in the AFL, doorways remain open — for the club and for the players — into new opportunities and fresh starts.
