Collingwood are anticipated to move for GWS Giants forward Bobby Hill at season's end, a year on from when the lively goalsneak requested a move to Victoria.
The 22-year-old requested a trade to Essendon last off-season in hope of being closer to his loved ones and gaining greater support for his young family.
Hill remained a chance to link up with the Bombers in the final days of the trade window before a deal failed to transpire, leaving the Northam Barons product to remain in Sydney's west for a further year.
The Giants' small forward opened up on the failed move earlier this year, with a long-term deal to move to Melbourne an attractive lure for the youngster and his family.
“My first interest was my family and being at a young age to be a father, family is my biggest support,” Hill old news.com.au.
“I was looking at different options and there was a lot going on at that time. It was hard. I wouldn’t have minded going back to Perth if it did happen, if that was an option – but it wasn’t.”
He had also gained reported interest from Collingwood, who looked to spoil a party that never eventuated.
The Magpies are tipped to come calling for Hill's services again this year, with Hill's contract set to expire and Craig McRae hoping to bolster his attack.
According to News Corp, Collingwood could be preparing a second attempt to pry Hill to Olympic Park, with the Western Australian native also anticipated to request a trade to Victoria for a second time.
Hill is currently sidelined after being diagnosed with testicular cancer in May, taking an indefinite leave with no certainty he returns to the field this year.
Able to add a sprightly edge to any forward line, Hill would compliment a potentially revamped forward line at Collingwood, with the Magpies seen as front-runners for Brisbane free agent Daniel McStay.
A reported five-year, $3 million offer is understood to be on offer for McStay from the Magpies, with the Lions spearhead weighing up a return to his home state or remaining in Queensland.
Collingwood will also need to make a call on midfield-forward hybrid Jordan De Goey, who has had a lucrative deal pulled from negotiations after recent indiscretions overseas.
Should De Goey extend his stay in the black and white, along with acquisitions of Hill and McStay, then McRae would be steering a lethal ship next season in what would be his second campaign behind the wheel.
With the likes of Ollie Henry, Jack Ginnivan, Brody Mihocek, Jamie Elliott and Beau McCreery among those already calling the Magpies' attack home, Collingwood will be well-placed for the future.
