TEARS FLOW AS COLLINGWOOD CONFIRMS BOBBY HILL TAKES INDEFINITE LEAVE
Heartbreak has spread across Australia and beyond, with even opposition teams expressing sympathy as Collingwood confirmed star forward Bobby Hill will take an indefinite leave of absence from the club to address personal issues. The mutual decision prioritizes the player’s well-being, with no set date for his return, delivering a devastating blow to Magpies fans and the wider Australian football community.
Hill’s absence comes after a challenging 2025 season marked by injury struggles and limited appearances, which had already impacted Collingwood’s forward line as they prepare for the new campaign. The news has resonated deeply given his status as one of the game’s most beloved and accomplished players, whose contributions have shaped the club’s recent success.
The dynamic forward’s achievements at Collingwood are nothing short of extraordinary. He was a pivotal figure in the Magpies’ 2023 AFL Premiership triumph, earning the prestigious Norm Smith Medal as Best on Ground in the Grand Final with a memorable four-goal haul that cemented his place in club history. Hill went on to claim the 2024 Mark of the Year award, showcasing his exceptional athleticism, and finished as Collingwood’s leading goalkicker that same season – receiving the Gordon Coventry Award in recognition of his attacking prowess.
His impact extended far beyond statistics, with teammates describing him as a unifying force in the locker room and opposition clubs acknowledging his sportsmanship and talent. Messages of support have poured in from across the AFL, with rival captains and coaches expressing their hope for his well-being and swift return to the field.
Collingwood released a statement emphasizing their unwavering support for the star player. “Bobby Hill is not only a champion footballer but an incredible person who has given so much to our club and the game,” the statement read. “This decision has been made together, with his health and happiness as our absolute priority. We will provide him with every possible support he needs, and our doors will always be open for him. We ask that his privacy be respected as he navigates this challenging time.”
The news leaves a significant void in Collingwood’s forward line, which relied heavily on veteran Jamie Elliott in 2025 after Hill’s injury-interrupted campaign. With no timeline for Hill’s return, the Magpies face the task of rebuilding their attacking structure while holding onto hope that their premiership hero will one day be back in the black and white stripes.
As tributes continue to flow from fans and the football fraternity alike, the focus remains firmly on Hill’s well-being, with the entire Australian football community united in wishing him strength and recovery.
