Collingwood star Bobby Hill has been granted a leave of absence as he “works through his personal situation”, according to the club.
The Magpies on Friday night confirmed Hill, 25, was now on leave from the club, with the decision made jointly between Hill, his management and Collingwood.
The Herald Sun reported Hill hadn’t returned to Collingwood for pre-season training this week.
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Hill reportedly had a tough start to his pre-season, taking part in a modified training program while also dealing with hamstring issues.
“We care for Bobby and his health and wellbeing remain the priority as he continues to work through his personal situation,” Collingwood football operations manager Charlie Gardiner.
“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 last season had a sporadic two months with time in and out of the football club. He played just a half of AFL football after Round 15 — acting as the substitute against Brisbane in Round 22 — and one game in the VFL on managed minutes amid personal issues away from the game.
It led to a level of uncertainty around Hill’s future and interest from non-Victorian clubs, despite the small forward signing a four-year extension earlier in 2025.
Hill has played 102 AFL games – 41 for the Giants and 61 for the Magpies – since being drafted in late 2018.
He famously kicked 4.2 from 18 disposals and eight marks in Collingwood’s thrilling 2023 premiership triumph, which saw him win the Norm Smith Medal.
Hill is contracted to Collingwood until at least the end of the 2030 AFL season.
Collingwood’s 2025 campaign begins on Sunday March 8 with a blockbuster clash against St Kilda at the MCG.
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