Collingwood forward Bobby Hill is set to partake in a closed-doors practice match on Saturday against Geelong in a bid to prove his readiness for the club's upcoming preliminary final battle.
The Pies' shock victory over Adelaide in Thursday night's qualifying final in South Australia has set up a home clash in the penultimate weekend of the 2025 AFL season.
Hill has played one half of football since Round 15, citing personal reasons for his absence.
Bobby Hill is poised to make a return to football in Collingwood’s scratch match against Geelong for non-AFL selected players on Saturday at GMHBA Stadium.
A big step forward in his push to play finals footy. @7AFL @7NewsMelbourne
— Xander McGuire (@XanderMcGuire7) September 4, 2025
He returned to training last Friday and was seen on Wednesday at the club, but missed the side's main training session on Tuesday.
"We'll wait and see," Collingwood coach Craig McRae said following the win over the Crows.
"There's no expectation on that. If he gets some minutes, that would be nice.
"I have said this week after week, one step he takes is a big one, and another one, another one, another one - we will just weigh that up.
"We still have hope for Bobby."
The Pies' victory will also increase the chances of veteran defender Jeremy Howe returning to the fold.
Howe injured his adductor in the Round 24 win over Melbourne, and was initially listed as three to four weeks before his return.
Collingwood matchwinner Jordan De Goey can also breathe a sigh of relief after the Match Review Officer (MRO) fined him for his bump on Adelaide's Josh Worrell.
De Goey was attempting to smother before bracing for contact, clipping Worrell's chin with his shoulder. The Pies star will hand over $3,000 ($2,000 guilty plea).
A watch will also be on key forward Brody Mihocek, who injured his ankle during Thursday's contest, and was seen in a moonboot.
Brody Mihocek rolled his ankle last night and is in a moon boot this morning.
Club says it’s a precaution, but the pies have another reason to be thankful for the week off. @7NewsMelbourne @7AFL
— Xander McGuire (@XanderMcGuire7) September 4, 2025
Mihocek hurt his hand in the win over Melbourne, which was cleared by the club's medical team, and will now be treated cautiously over the next fortnight.
Collingwood will enjoy the week off before awaiting their challenger, which will come from the loser of Geelong and Brisbane, and the winner of Fremantle and Gold Coast.
