Port Adelaide legend Kane Cornes has made a strong case for the AFL to overhaul its rookie draft rules after a recent move by Collingwood drew criticism. On Tuesday, Collingwood announced they had delisted both Oleg Markov, a premiership-winning player, and forward Ash Johnson. However, the club plans to re-sign them as rookies in the upcoming draft, sparking debate about whether this tactic is an abuse of the system.
Cornes expressed his frustration over the issue, calling the rule “a disgrace” and “a farce.” According to the AFL commentator, clubs are exploiting the rookie list by using it to retain experienced players instead of opening up opportunities for emerging talent. He argues that players like Markov, who is 28 and has played for multiple clubs, should not be eligible for the rookie draft and that the current system fails to serve its intended purpose.
Cornes, speaking on SEN radio, shared his longstanding concerns, pointing out that he has voiced similar criticisms for over a decade. “Every year, it’s the same issue. Markov is no rookie—he’s a seasoned player at 28, and yet he’s being re-rookied,” Cornes stated. He believes the rookie list should be reserved strictly for players who are just beginning their careers, not for players with substantial experience who are simply being shifted around the list.
This controversy is not limited to Collingwood, Cornes noted. He believes other clubs are likely to use the rookie list in the same way, sidestepping the system’s original intent and giving senior players additional career security. Cornes urged the AFL to take swift action to prevent this kind of exploitation and ensure that true rookies have a fair shot at entering the game.
The situation is further complicated by the fact that both Markov and Johnson are already under contract with Collingwood for the 2025 season, making their delisting and re-rookie status all the more puzzling. Markov joined the Magpies as a rookie during the Supplementary Selection Period in 2023, while Johnson was recruited in the 2021 mid-season draft. Despite limited game time last season, both players contributed to Collingwood’s roster and are set to return as “rookies,” raising questions about the true purpose of the rookie list system.
Collingwood’s list manager, Justin Leppitsch, addressed the decision, acknowledging the challenge of balancing the team’s roster needs. In a statement, he confirmed the club’s intention to re-list Markov and Johnson as rookies in November’s draft, underscoring the club’s commitment to both players. However, the debate surrounding the AFL’s rookie draft rules is far from over, as critics like Cornes continue to press for reforms that prioritize new talent and prevent potential loopholes in the system.