Collingwood's Bobby Hill Returns to Training After Personal Leave
Collingwood's embattled livewire Bobby Hill is back at the club, marking a significant step in his return to AFL football. The Norm Smith medallist has been on a leave of absence by the Magpies since January, with his last sighting at Collingwood dating back to December, until he appeared at training on Monday morning.
Path to Fitness and Season Comeback
The Pies will need to see him undergo an extended block of training back at the club to prove his fitness, with a view now to play in the second half of the season. Collingwood could do with his presence in a forward line which is yet to click since losing Brody Mihocek to Melbourne.
Hill managed just one senior appearance after Round 15 last year due to personal issues and a lack of conditioning. The 2023 Norm Smith medallist came on as the substitute in Round 21, but was overlooked for the Magpies’ two finals. He was also subjected to trade rumours during the off-season, but nothing eventuated.
Injury and Contract Details
It was previously revealed that Hill was battling a hamstring issue in the lead-up to Christmas, but there was hope he would join the main group in the new year until he took a leave of absence. Hill, who joined the Pies from GWS at the end of 2022, is contracted until the end of the 2030 season.
This return to training signals a positive development for both Hill and Collingwood, as they aim to bolster their lineup for the upcoming matches.
