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By Joanna Guelas
January 9, 2026 — 7.20pm
Collingwood star Bobby Hill has put his AFL career on hold with the club’s support, with no time frame set for his return.
The 2023 Norm Smith medallist is taking a leave of absence from the Magpies as he deals with personal issues.
After featuring in 13 games to start the 2025 season, Hill made just one AFL appearance in the final three months of Collingwood’s campaign – as a substitute.
Collingwood star Bobby Hill has taken leave to deal with personal issues.Credit: Getty Images
Collingwood were initially optimistic Hill had “got on top of” his off-field challenges last October, before confirming his leave of absence on Friday.
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The decision was made jointly with Hill and his management.
“We care for Bobby and his health and wellbeing remain the priority as he continues to work through his personal situation,” football boss Charlie Gardiner said in a statement.
“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 had mounted a late bid to feature in last September’s finals, but was unable to get enough training and VFL minutes to make the team that was eliminated by the Brisbane Lions in a preliminary final.
In August, Hill asked coach Craig McRae not to put a line through him returning for their ’25 campaign.
The coach met with his popular small forward, who had barely trained or played as he battled personal and family issues.
Collingwood struggled in attack with him out of the side. He was sorely missed in a three-point loss to Adelaide when the Magpies had 34 more inside 50s than the Crows but were unable to kick a winning score. In such congestion, the loss of Hill’s speed and ability to find space to conjure a goal was telling.
There was a brief run of trade speculation after the season, before Collingwood list boss Justin Leppitsch reiterated Hill’s commitment to the Magpies during the trade period.
West Australian product Hill, one of the most dynamic forwards in the competition, is contracted until 2030.
“He’s at the club [next year]. Bobby’s staying at the club,” Leppitsch said in October.
AAP, with Michael Gleeson
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