Collingwood star Bobby Hill has been granted a leave of absence after not returning to the club for the start of pre-season training, as the Norm Smith medallist continues to work through what the Magpies have described as a personal situation.
Hill did not report back with teammates on Thursday and was absent from Friday’s session, with the decision made jointly between the 25-year-old, his management and Collingwood Football Club. The club confirmed on Friday that Hill will remain away from the AFL program while receiving ongoing support.
Personal challenges continue after interrupted 2025 season
The dynamic small forward endured a disrupted 2025 campaign, managing just 14 AFL appearances after missing significant time for personal reasons. Hill briefly attempted to return late in the season but ultimately did not earn a recall for Collingwood’s September finals series.
During the year, Hill also split with his partner Georgia Devlin, a development that coincided with his reduced availability. Despite speculation around his future at the time, Hill has remained adamant he wants to stay at Collingwood long-term.
That commitment was reinforced in April, when the 2023 premiership hero signed a lucrative contract extension tying him to the Magpies until the end of the 2030 AFL season.
Club places wellbeing above football
Collingwood football boss Charlie Gardiner stressed that the club’s focus is firmly on Hill’s health rather than timelines or football availability.
“We care for Bobby and his health and wellbeing remain the priority as he continues to work through his personal situation,” Gardiner said.
“While on leave from the AFL program, we will continue to support Bobby so that he can be in the best possible position to return to the club in a full-time capacity when appropriate.”
Hill’s absence comes despite him being fully contracted and viewed internally as a key part of Collingwood’s future forward mix.
Pre-season notes: injuries, returns and role hints
While Hill was away, Collingwood adjusted training times to beat rising temperatures, starting Friday’s long session at 7:30am at Olympic Park.
Several notable storylines emerged from the session:
- Isaac Quaynor took a cautious approach after returning with a minor hamstring issue, limited to light jogging and stretching but appearing upbeat.
- Beau McCreery completed most drills after overcoming a foot issue that slowed him before Christmas.
- Lachie Sullivan trained with the rehab group due to a strapped right knee but showed minimal restriction during fitness work alongside Dan Houston and Dan McStay.
- Nick Daicos moved in and out of drills after feeling unwell on Friday morning, opting for individual running loads.
Veteran skipper Scott Pendlebury again spent time with defenders, hinting at a potential return to a half-back role that has previously extended his influence and longevity.
Coaching changes and familiar faces
New development coach Dyson Heppell also made his first appearance in Collingwood colours, immediately standing out with his vocal presence during drills. The former Essendon captain joins the coaching ranks as Collingwood continues to refresh its development program.
Senior coach Craig McRae was not present at the session, having taken extended time off during pre-season — something McRae has done in previous years to manage workload and delegate leadership within the coaching group.
What comes next for Bobby Hill?
Hill’s situation remains open-ended, with no fixed return date set. However, both the player and club have been clear that his long-term future remains with Collingwood.
Since being drafted in 2018, Hill has played 102 AFL games across stints with GWS and Collingwood, including a legendary four-goal performance in the 2023 Grand Final that earned him the Norm Smith Medal.
Collingwood’s 2026 AFL campaign begins on March 8, when the Magpies face St Kilda in a blockbuster season opener at the MCG. Whether Hill features early in the season will depend entirely on his readiness — both on and off the field — as the club prioritises care over calendars.
