The Collingwood Magpies have confirmed that star forward Bobby Hill has been granted a leave of absence from the club, with the 25-year-old taking extended time off to deal with personal issues.
Collingwood stated that the decision was mutual between the club, Hill and Hill's management.
It comes after a year of similar personal concerns and injury issues for the 2023 Norm Smith medallist, which saw Hill feature at senior level just once after Round 15.
Hill had also 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 were quashed further after battling a hamstring concern which arose after he began his lighter pre-season duties.
Collingwood Executive General Manager Charlie Gardiner said the club would continue to support Hill in his time away from the sport.
"We care for Bobby and his health and wellbeing remain the priority as he continues to work through his personal situation," Gardiner said.
"While on leave from the AFL program, we will continue to support Bobby so that he can be in the best possible position to return to the Club in a full-time capacity when appropriate."
Hill was electric in the first half of 2025 before his setbacks, kicking 1.4 goals per game, which had him on pace to kick a career-high 35 goals.
