Collingwood coach Craig McRae has again reinforced his eternal love and support behind exiting star Bobby Hill, who on Thursday was subject to a vile social media attack.

The 2023 Norm Smith Medallist shared a screenshot of a direct message he received to his Instagram story, which made racist and explicit remarks.

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Foxfooty.com.au has chosen not to publish the derogatory terms directed at Hill.

Speaking to journalists after the Magpies’ 25-point loss to Geelong on Thursday night, McRae sent his best wishes to the 26-year-old, who is set to depart the club at season’s end via a mutual agreement.

“I’m sorry to hear that, if that’s the case. Bobby, our thoughts are with you,” McRae said.

“The world’s a crazy place at times, isn’t it? I don’t do social media, so bear with me. But, I did look onto a website that had ‘feedback’ — and the feedback is unbelievable.

“It’s just a cesspool for people just to vent. I find it fascinating that that’s actually something that people would be interested in. But, if Bobby’s listening out there: I’m sorry to hear that’s the case. We’ll always love him, it’s sad to hear that.”

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The formalisation of Hill’s exit is expected in the coming days, which would officially see him ‘delisted’ by the club as he is contracted until the end of 2030. Thus, he will qualify as a delisted free agent come October as he seeks to continue his 102-game AFL career at a third club.

The Northam Barons product has been absent from the club in recent times, having made sporadic appearances at the KGM Centre over the last 12 months while dealing with personal issues.

The Magpies felt his absence in the forward half, with key tall Dan McStay playing what at times felt like a lone hand with five majors from 10 disposals.

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McRae’s side conceded nine of the first 10 majors for the night, which saw them at one stage trail by 49 points just 12 minutes after quarter time.

Their deficit closed to as little as 16 points at the start of the last quarter, however injuries to Jeremy Howe (arm) and Harry Perryman (hamstring) made a comeback one step too many with two men down on the interchange.

“There’s a major part in the opposition playing really well and taking their chances. We looked a bit disconnected at times going forward ourselves; we had plenty of chances early and didn’t quite make the most of those,” McRae said.

“But, I was proud of how we did fight back … there’s a great fight and spirit in our group that just don’t want to give up. Ultimately, you only get four points … but I rewarded that (fight) to the group post-game.

“We’ve still got time. We’ll lick our wounds, and get moving.”

As for his wounded soldiers, 36-year-old veteran Howe is set to go under the knife after another blow to an arm that has already endured serious knocks.

Harry Perryman watches on after being ruled out of the match in the second term with a left hamstring injury.Source: Getty Images

“Howey’s unfortunately got a fracture around the same place he fractured a few years ago — funnily enough, against the Cats,” McRae revealed.

“We’re hoping it’s on the minor end. He’s gone to hospital to get it checked out. The likelihood is he’ll probably need an operation, but it’s probably too early to tell until the surgeons and specialists have seen it.

“The things I’ve been told, it’s on the minor end … it’s nothing like the last one, but he’s got a plate in there since the injury. It’s something around that.

“(Perryman’s) got a minor hamstring, on the opposite side than he did earlier in the year. Again, scans will reveal the nature of that, but at this stage it’s diagnosed on the minor end.”

Collingwood has nine days to bounce back from the loss, before travelling across the country to take on West Coast next Sunday afternoon at Optus Stadium.