Livewire small forward Bobby Hill is facing a significant blow to his pre-season build into 2026 after reportedly dealing with a hamstring issue that has yet to subside.
According to 7News' Xander McGuire, Hill has been unable to train with the main group in the lead-up to the Christmas break, starting on a modified program. His hopes of returning to full training at Olympic Park soon have been quashed further, however, after battling a hamstring concern which arose after he began his lighter pre-season duties.
The latest setback is another complication for the 25-year-old's bid to get his conditioning back to AFL standards, following an interrupted year due to personal matters.
Bobby Hill has had an interrupted start to pre-season and hasn’t been able to train fully with the main group at Collingwood.
He started on a modified program after last season - and in recent weeks has battled a hamstring issue. More on @7NewsMelbourne @7AFL
— Xander McGuire (@XanderMcGuire7) December 12, 2025
Hill managed just one senior appearance after Round 15 this year, coming on as the medical substitute in Round 21 against Brisbane and impressing, but he was ultimately not selected for Collingwood's September fixtures.
Hill was electric in the first half of 2025, however, and will aim to reclaim that form to begin 2026, kicking 1.4 goals per game this year, which had him on pace to kick a career-high 35 goals.
