Collingwood Magpies forward Bobby Hill has not reported for the AFL pre-season and is now on an indefinite leave of absence from the club. The 25-year-old is dealing with a significant personal situation, confirmed by Magpies officials.
A leave of absence for personal reasons
Hill did not train with his teammates on Friday as he continues to navigate private matters. Magpies football boss Charlie Gardiner stated that the club's primary concern is the player's welfare. "Care for Bobby and his health and wellbeing remain the priority as he continues to work through his personal situation," Gardiner said.
He added, "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."
Turmoil on and off the field
The talented forward's 2025 campaign was already disrupted, limiting him to just 14 games. This was compounded by his separation from long-term partner Georgia Devlin, with whom he shares two young sons, Bobby Junior and Malakai. Following the split, Devlin returned to Western Australia with their children.
Despite attempting a return ahead of the finals series, Hill was overlooked for selection. His off-field challenges have cast a shadow over a career that had been on a spectacular upward trajectory.
A star's rise and future at the club
Hill's move from GWS to Collingwood ahead of the 2023 season proved instantly successful. He delivered a legendary performance in the grand final against Brisbane, kicking four crucial goals to win the Norm Smith Medal as best on ground in the premiership victory. He followed this by topping Collingwood's goal-kicking tally in 2024.
In a show of faith, the Magpies secured Hill's future in April 2025, signing him to a contract extension that runs until the end of 2030. It is understood the player has no intention of leaving the club, with both parties focused on his eventual return.
Hill's personal life has been in the public eye, with Devlin recently announcing on Instagram that she is expecting a baby girl later this year. The footballer has also shown remarkable resilience in the past, having been diagnosed with testicular cancer at age 22 while at GWS. He underwent successful surgery and returned to play at the highest level.
The Magpies and the AFL community will now await further updates on when one of the game's most exciting small forwards will be ready to resume his career.
