Collingwood coach Craig McRae has expressed unwavering support for star small forward Bobby Hill, who has been on personal leave and is unlikely to play for the club again. Hill, 26, was instrumental in Collingwood’s 2023 premiership victory, earning the Norm Smith Medal after scoring four goals in the grand final against Brisbane.

With Hill reportedly seeking to end his contract early, which runs until the end of 2030, McRae emphasized his primary concern is Hill’s wellbeing. "I haven't seen Bobby in the building for a while … if you're out there, Bobby, we've got a lot of love and care for you, we'll never waver in our love and support for the young man," McRae said. He added that contract discussions are out of his hands and left to management.

McRae reaffirmed that Hill will always be welcome at Collingwood, calling him a "premiership player, and Norm Smith medallist," who will "forever be welcome in our four walls."

The comments came ahead of Collingwood’s upcoming match against Adelaide at Adelaide Oval on Thursday night, which McRae expects to have a finals-like atmosphere. The teams previously met in a qualifying final at the same venue last year, with Collingwood winning by 24 points.

Despite some injury concerns, key players like midfielder Josh Daicos and defender Jeremy Howe are expected to be available for the game. McRae noted the team’s resilience, saying, "We trained today, and we played Saturday night, and if you watch training you go, 'No way that group just played three days ago.'"

Sources