‘Doesn’t look like it’s working’: Legend urges Pies to made bold Bobby Hill trade call

A Collingwood legend has called for his former club to seriously consider trading star Bobby Hill.

But a report states the Magpies are “very keen” for the Norm Smith medallist to continue on his current contract at Olympic Park.

Hill didn’t play in Collingwood’s finals series — which came to an end on Saturday night against reigning premiers Brisbane — amid personal issues away from the game.

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The 25-year-old livewire played just one senior match after Round 15, and 313-game Collingwood premiership icon Tony Shaw said a parting of ways had to be a consideration for Justin Leppitsch and the Pies’ list management crew.

“That’s something they’ve got to look at, now. I would be really looking trade-wise at what you can get for Bobby Hill,” Shaw told 3AW on Saturday night.

“It’s a horrible situation, but he’s probably got good (trade) fodder at the moment — you could get a couple of draft picks.

“It just doesn’t look like it’s working for him down there.”

However, on the post-match Fox Footy broadcast, the Herald Sun’s Jon Ralph said the Pies weren’t planning on even thinking about dealing Hill, who’s contracted through 2030, this off-season.

“(The Pies are) very keen to keep Bobby Hill, who’s contracted,” Ralph said on Saturday night.

“They’re really thrilled by the fact 0he’s been able to get back to training, but they are understanding of the challenges ahead.”

Ralph also provided contract updates on a few of Hill’s teammates as the club turns its attention to list turnover and the upcoming player movement period.

“Mason Cox, I think, has played himself into another one-year contract,” Ralph continued.

“Jamie Elliott has been offered two years but has not signed it, and it’s been on the table for quite some time — clubs like Gold Coast (are) interested.

“Brody Mihocek has been offered a two-year deal, (but) Melbourne is offering more money and at least two years and a trigger, and maybe three years.

“So, there is a time where some of those players might think ‘I want to cash in’ — all I would say is not a lot of players leave Collingwood, especially when they’re still in that premiership build.”

Ralph also confirmed reports that Collingwood had enquired about Carlton dual Coleman medallist Charie Curnow but added that the Pies are strapped for draft capital.

“The Pies have asked about Charlie Curnow, but there’s probably not a club out there with less trade collateral to try and get a deal done,” he said.

“They have not got a first-rounder this year; they could trade next year or even the next year in advance, but they’re probably less likely to be able to, under AFL rules, trade next year’s pick. You have to be able to take two picks in a four-year cycle.”