Speculation around Collingwood Norm Smith medallist Bobby Hill won't go away, despite putting pen to paper on an extension earlier this year.
Hill added four seasons to his deal, locking him away until the end of 2030.
However, a raft of personal issues has seen the gun forward play one half of football since Round 15, which has reportedly kept the door ajar for rivals to swoop, especially non-Victorian clubs.
"Clubs are looking at Bobby Hill now, non-Victorian clubs, and I'm not talking about West Coast or Fremantle here either, and wondering if they can pry him out of Collingwood," Tom Morris said on Footy Classified.
"Collingwood, I think, would publicly say: ‘No chance.' He's a Norm Smith medallist, and he's recently re-signed.
"But it won't stop these clubs from trying at the end of the year, just because it's been an unstable year for the Magpies and Bobby Hill in general. There's been some frustrations towards him, but equally, he's been going through a bit as well.
"They're looking at Bobby Hill and they're wondering whether they can pry him out of Collingwood."@tommorris32 with the latest on Bobby Hill.#9FootyClassified | Watch on Nine & 9Now 🖥️ pic.twitter.com/aucb25t83J
— Footy on Nine (@FootyonNine) September 2, 2025
"I think these conversations will ramp up towards the end of the year. I believe Bobby wants to stay himself, but that won't stop clubs having a go.
"His manager has also been away for a while, so expect Anthony McConville to get some calls when he comes back from overseas."
Hill returned to training last Friday in a bid to feature in Collingwood's 2025 finals series, which begins against Adelaide on Thursday.
Pies coach Craig McRae is also hopeful that Hill can push for a senior recall later in September, despite missing Tuesday's session.
"Bobby's got some family stuff (Tuesday). We support him and the family stuff he's going through," McRae said.
"He missed (Tuesday), but he's training exceptionally well. Ideally, he's here (Wednesday) or the next day so we can set him up for potentially a tilt later in the campaign.
"He won't be available and was never a chance to be available [for the qualifying final]. We were rapt to have him back within our program; it's good to see him smiling again.
"He's taken a few big strides this week, the way he's trained and been a part of match play. We're excited to have him back smiling; that's the main part. Today, he's got his family, so we'll support that too."
