Collingwood Football Club’s star player, Bobby Hill, has decided to pause his Australian Football League (AFL) career, with the full backing of the club, as he navigates personal challenges. The 2023 Norm Smith medallist is taking an indefinite leave of absence, with no set timeline for his return.
After participating in 13 games at the start of the 2025 season, Hill’s appearances dwindled, culminating in just one game over the final three months, where he played as a substitute. Initially, there was optimism from Collingwood that Hill had managed to overcome his off-field issues last October. However, the club confirmed his leave of absence on Friday, following a mutual decision with Hill and his management team.
Support from the Club
Collingwood’s football boss, Charlie Gardiner, emphasized the club’s commitment to Hill’s wellbeing. In a statement, Gardiner expressed,
“We care for Bobby and his health and wellbeing remain the priority as he continues to work through his personal situation. 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 shown determination to rejoin the team during the finals last September. Unfortunately, he was unable to secure enough training and playing time in the Victorian Football League (VFL) to make the cut for the team that was eventually eliminated by the Brisbane Lions in a preliminary final.
Impact on the Team
In August, Hill approached coach Craig McRae, expressing his desire not to be ruled out for the 2025 campaign. Despite his limited training and playing due to personal and family issues, Hill’s absence was keenly felt by the team. Collingwood’s attack struggled without him, notably in a narrow three-point loss to Adelaide. The Magpies had 34 more inside 50s than the Crows but failed to convert them into a winning score, highlighting the void left by Hill’s speed and goal-scoring prowess.
There was a brief period of trade speculation post-season, but Collingwood’s list boss, Justin Leppitsch, reaffirmed Hill’s commitment to the Magpies during the trade period, quelling any rumors of a potential move.
Historical Context and Future Prospects
Hill’s situation is not unique in the AFL, where players occasionally step back to address personal matters. The league and its clubs have increasingly prioritized mental health and personal wellbeing, recognizing the pressures athletes face both on and off the field. This development follows a broader trend in professional sports where mental health is given as much importance as physical health.
Looking ahead, the Magpies remain hopeful for Hill’s eventual return, understanding the significant role he plays in their lineup. The club’s support reflects a growing recognition of the importance of holistic player welfare, which may set a precedent for how similar situations are handled in the future.
As the AFL community awaits further updates on Hill’s status, the focus remains on his recovery and readiness to rejoin the team when the time is right. Meanwhile, Collingwood will need to adapt and strategize to fill the gap left by one of their key players.
