A bigger, stronger Oleg Markov is bringing a newfound confidence into the 2019 season after a “rollercoaster” year.

The high-speed defender, who has now entered his fourth year at Tigerland, faced an injury-ridden 2018, which saw him miss out on playing a senior game.

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While Markov acknowledges it was easy to get “down in the slumps” when dealing with the string of injuries, which included shoulder surgery, he converted his setbacks into opportunities for growth.

After putting in the work over the pre-season to develop a stronger frame, he is now primed to not only regain, but better, the form he displayed in his earlier years as a Tiger.

“I always wanted to put on mass and weight, the only issue was last year when I came back from shoulder surgery, I ended up losing about seven kilos,” he said. 

“Now I feel like I’m in the right mindset and I’ve put on enough mass to give myself a good foundation and a good base for the next year."

Thrilled to be back on the track with his fellow Tigers, Markov won’t be taking his clean bill of health for granted any time soon. 

“(Last year) was a rollercoaster and it’s given me more of a reason to wake up every morning and feel really grateful that the body’s working really well and I’m able to go out there and have fun with all the boys and enjoy it,” he said. 

“Last year I was in rehab, so camp for me was just running laps. I felt a little isolated at times, so this year to get really in amongst it, it’s been really good fun.”

In the meantime, Markov is working on enhancing his skills as a rebounding half-back.

“My defensive side needed a lot of work so that’s something I’ve taken into consideration so far in the pre-season,” he said.

“Putting on the mass has given me the confidence to defend well, get physical and use the ball offensively when I get it.”