Bobby Hill Returns to Collingwood Training, Eyes Senior Recall
Premiership forward Bobby Hill has officially returned to Collingwood’s training ground, signalling his commitment to earning a senior call-up later in the year. The 26-year-old, who had been absent from the Magpies for several months due to personal matters, made an unexpected reappearance last Friday, much to the delight of the club and its supporters.
There had been considerable concern that the 2023 Norm Smith medallist might miss the entire season, and his absence has undeniably been felt in Collingwood’s attacking half. His return to the field on Monday, sporting a striking bleached blond hairstyle, was met with warm greetings from teammates and staff alike. He was seen engaging in a positive discussion with fellow forward Jamie Elliott before the entire squad commenced preparations for their upcoming clash against Greater Western Sydney at Marvel Stadium this Friday night.
During training, Hill also shared an embrace with former Carlton and Adelaide champion Eddie Betts. Betts, who was observing the session, had worked closely with Hill late last season, assisting him in his fitness journey leading up to the finals.
A Determined Comeback
Charlie Gardiner, Collingwood’s football department boss, confirmed Hill’s strong desire to return to the senior team and his willingness to put in the necessary work. “Yeah, he has expressed a desire to get back in and put his head down and work hard,” Gardiner stated. He also cautioned that the progression might not be straightforward, emphasizing the club’s continued support for Hill. “But, as I said, it [his progression] may not be linear. We will continue to support him and, hopefully, he can continue to keep taking steps forward.”
Hill, who last year inked a four-year contract extension with the Magpies, has been diligently working on his fitness at suburban grounds with a dedicated trainer in recent weeks. His physical condition has reportedly improved significantly during this period. The manner in which he participated in training on Monday, engaging in skills work for the opening 75 minutes, suggested a marked improvement in his mental well-being compared to when he initially took leave. While he did not participate in match simulation, his renowned electric speed was clearly still intact.
Gardiner elaborated on the training regimen and timeline for Hill’s potential return. “He has done a bit of training, but he’s really just at the start line. He’ll have a big block of training ahead of him, but we’ll be guided by our medical team and our high-performance team,” he explained. Regarding specific timelines for a senior recall, Gardiner was non-committal. “As to timelines [for a senior recall], we don’t have any timelines right now. We are all just thrilled he’s happy. He’s got a smile on his face. He’s enjoying and has energy for training, which is excellent.”
This isn’t the first time Hill has taken personal leave. He also stepped away for personal reasons last season but managed to return in time for the finals. However, the Magpies ultimately decided he hadn’t completed sufficient training to warrant selection in the September campaign.
Key Defenders Nearing Return
While the focus was largely on Hill’s comeback, the Magpies also provided updates on captain Darcy Moore and veteran defender Jeremy Howe. Both players have been sidelined, with Howe nursing a persistent calf issue and Moore recovering from a calf strain that was exacerbated by a hamstring injury sustained just before the Crows’ clash, a game Collingwood ultimately lost.
Fortunately, both Moore and Howe participated fully in all drills and match simulation sessions on Monday. Gardiner confirmed that they are now firmly in contention to face the Giants. “Yeah, we’d expect them to be available for Friday night,” he confirmed. The club’s recent bye week proved beneficial for the defensive duo, allowing them crucial recovery time. Meanwhile, the Daicos brothers, Nick and Josh, utilized the break to engage in guest speaking engagements with their father, Peter, in Tasmania.
