Collingwood Magpies premiership star Bobby Hill has been granted personal leave by the club ahead of the birth of his third child with partner Georgia Devlin, delaying his potential return to AFL action.
Hill has not played since round 21 of last year. The club initially granted him personal leave following the breakdown of his relationship with Devlin, which saw her relocate to Perth with their two sons. However, just months after their split, Devlin announced she was expecting a third child, and the couple has since reconciled.
Magpies coach Craig McRae confirmed on Tuesday that Hill would be unavailable for selection this weekend due to the impending birth. “Bobby’s partner is due, she’s due this weekend, he’s unlikely to play,” McRae said. “I am not sure if she’s going into labour, but he’s not here today, she’s got a bit going on. Again, we wish them well and see how that goes in the next couple of days.”
The 2024 Norm Smith medallist, aged 26, has been working his way back through the VFL in recent weeks, marking a significant step forward. He only returned to the club in March after training privately since stepping away. Hill was seen at the AFL’s Sir Doug Nicholls Round launch on Monday, appearing in good spirits as he joked and laughed with fellow Indigenous stars.
Although his AFL return has been delayed, teammate Lachie Schultz expressed delight at having Hill back around the club. “We’re just happy to see him back at the club and enjoying his time and his footy again,” Schultz said. “He’s such an infectious character and everyone’s loving having him around. He’ll just keep building momentum as the season goes and we look forward to seeing what he can put together.”
During Sir Doug Nicholls Round, Collingwood will wear a jumper inspired by Hill’s life story, designed by 11-year-old Noongar Yamatji artist Jed Bennell.
