Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020

Bobby Hill Collingwood return plans remain on hold, with coach Craig McRae saying the 2023 Norm Smith Medallist is still a long way from playing after another break from football for personal reasons.

Hill returned to Collingwood training on Thursday after a trip to Western Australia, but he will not play at any level this weekend. His situation matters because the Magpies are trying to support one of their premiership forwards while preparing for Saturday’s AFL clash with Port Adelaide at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

For more Collingwood team news, read Sam Swadling AFL Debut Confirmed As Collingwood Name West Perth Product For Port Adelaide Clash, while official match details are available through the AFL fixture page.

McRae Says Hill Needs Time

Asked how Hill was tracking, McRae gave a frank update.

"Truthfully, battling".

"I had a really good chat with Bobby this morning and over the last period - he has a bit going on, let's be really clear. He has a lot going on," McRae added.

"He's a work in progress, but it's nice to have him in the building.

"He's a long way away from playing footy ... but again, when he's in our building, at least we get some opportunities to make him feel that he's loved and appreciated.

"That will never waver, and I'm chatting to him yesterday, having really deep conversations about this stuff."

McRae said his duty to players goes beyond match selection.

"Regardless of whatever happens in life, there's a level and care. These young men, in my eyes, are like my sons," he said.

Injury List Shapes Collingwood Plans

Brayden Maynard will not return against Port Adelaide as he continues to recover from a dislocated shoulder suffered in the King’s Birthday loss to Melbourne.

"Reality set in that he probably has a bit more work to do on that shoulder," McRae said.

"It's still a little bit unstable.

"He's a warrior, he wants to play most weeks. He said 'don't count me out for next week', but we'll see how that goes."

Captain Darcy Moore has also returned from an overseas trip during his hamstring recovery, while 19-year-old Sam Swadling will make his AFL debut against Port Adelaide.

McRae also said Collingwood remain open to free agency options, with Brisbane star Lachie Neale among the names linked to the Magpies.