The Magpies look set to receive a huge boost, with 2023 Norm Smith Medallist Bobby Hill a chance to return to the club as early as Monday.
Hill signed a four-year extension last April, but has only managed seven subsequent appearances and wasn't a part of the Pies' 2025 finals push. He tallied 14 games last year and was last seen in the Round 22 loss against the Lions at the MCG, when used as the substitute.
The 26-year-old, who has been on a leave of absence from Collingwood as he deals with a delicate personal matter, has been sighted training with a partner at suburban venues in recent weeks, and is reintegrating with team-mates.
Pies coach Craig McRae told SEN Breakfast last month that he was hopeful Hill would return.
"Bobby is working on himself at the moment. We're hoping that he'll be in the program in the short or medium term. We'll see how that progresses," he said.
"We'll continue to love and support him, and at the right time, get him in the environment to push forward for high performance."
Speaking about Hill on The Agenda Setters on Wednesday night, St Kilda great Nick Riewoldt said his impending return is "massive" for both player and club.
"The fact that he is actually keen to return to the club is massive. There would be such a level of apprehension. When you've been away from the group, it would be pretty daunting stepping back in, I'm sure. So, the fact he's actually there and in a position, mentally, to get back amongst his team-mates, I think is wonderful," Riewoldt said.
Hill, who joined Collingwood from GWS at the end of 2022, has played 61 games for the Magpies. He is contracted until the end of the 2030.
