Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020
Bobby Hill Collingwood future questions have grown after the Collingwood forward failed to attend training on Monday while continuing to deal with personal issues.
Hill had spent the past three weeks in Western Australia for the birth of his third child, but the 2023 Norm Smith Medal winner was expected back at the club this week.
The uncertainty comes during a difficult Australian Football League news cycle, including Former AFL Player Nick Stevens Jailed for Defrauding Families Through Pool Business, as off-field matters keep drawing attention. Fans can follow official updates through the Australian Football League website.
Training Absence Raises Fresh Doubts
7NEWS reporter Xander McGuire said Hill was an “unexplained” absentee, adding another setback to his stalled return.
Hill has not played senior football this season after taking personal leave in the off-season, though his recent Victorian Football League form had suggested he was moving closer to selection.
“There’s no way to sugarcoat this. This is a setback for where Bobby Hill has been,” McGuire reported on The Agenda Setters.
“And this weekend, this Sunday, in fact, actually marks one calendar year to the last time that Bobby Hill completed one full AFL game.
“So Collingwood’s aware that his return won’t be linear as he navigates complex personal issues in his own life.
Contract Questions Begin to Build
Channel 7 reporter Tom Morris said some people are now questioning whether Hill will play for Collingwood again.
“There are people at Collingwood and around Bobby Hill that are seriously questioning whether he’ll ever play for Collingwood again,” he reported.
“And that is remarkable, given he’s contracted to the end of 2030. He’s on $750,000 a year.
Hill managed just one senior appearance after Round 15 last year, coming on as the substitute in Round 21 before missing Collingwood’s two finals.
McGuire said Collingwood have been “understanding” as Hill works through the situation.
“They’re willing to go with the two steps forward, one step back,” he said.
