Updated July 20, 2026 — 1:42pm,first published 12:57pm
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In today’s AFL briefing:The Magpies and premiership forward Bobby Hill are set to part ways.Essendon star Nate Caddy has been discharged from hospital and is expected to play this week.Magpies and star premiership forward preparing to split
Collingwood are working towards parting ways with premiership star Bobby Hill.
The 2023 Norm Smith medallist is contracted until the end of 2030 on a deal reportedly worth about $750,000 a season.
Industry sources have confirmed conversations between the Magpies and Hill’s management at Mac’s Sports Promotions are ongoing. The Magpies and Mac’s Sports Management were contacted for comment.
Hill has not played a senior game since round 21 last year, largely because of personal issues.
He had an extended break over summer but was welcomed back into the fold earlier this season. He had been training at suburban grounds with a trainer before returning to the club.
Uncertain future: Bobby Hill and Collingwood are working towards a split.Getty Images
The dynamic small forward has played three VFL games, but has not been a consistent presence at the club.
Coach Craig McRae has repeatedly said he was excited about Hill’s potential return, but there was always the caveat of the unknown.
McRae said in June that Hill was still working through his personal issues.
“Truthfully, battling,” McRae replied when asked about Hill.
“He has a bit going on, let’s be really clear. He has a lot going on. He’s a work in progress, but it’s nice to have him in the building.
“He’s a long way away from playing footy … but again, when he’s in our building, at least we get some opportunities to make him feel that he’s loved and appreciated.”
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Hill and his partner Georgia Devlin welcomed their third child in May.
Seven reported on Monday that Hill was keen for a move to the Brisbane Lions, Gold Coast or Port Adelaide.
Hill was originally drafted by Greater Western Sydney with pick No.24 in 2018.
He has played 102 senior games across eight seasons.
Bombers confident Caddy will face Hawks
Essendon are confident Nate Caddy will be available for selection this week after he was hospitalised with an irregular heart rate during Sunday’s three-point win over Greater Western Sydney.
Ready to go: Essendon star Nate Caddy is expected to be available to face the Hawks on Saturday.AFL Photos via Getty Images
Caddy was taken to hospital for assessment, having collapsed to the turf when he got to the interchange bench in the first quarter. He had further tests but was given the all clear and discharged on Sunday night.
Essendon’s general manager of football Daniel McPherson said he expected Caddy to train this week ahead of a clash against arch-rival Hawthorn on Saturday.
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“There was some concern in the first quarter when Nate’s heart rate became elevated,” McPherson said on Monday.
“He was removed from the game, and our medical team assessed him at the ground before sending him to hospital for further assessment. He was discharged last night and is back at home.
“He is expected to be able to train and play without concern this week.”
Caddy recently signed a contract extension until the end of 2031 in a huge boost for the battling Bombers, who no longer sit in last spot on the ladder.
Wingman Xavier Duursma (hamstring) faces a spell on the sidelines.
The Bombers were able to sing the club song for only the second time in 31 games after edging the shocked Giants. It was their first win since beating Melbourne in Gather Round in Adelaide on April 11, while they had not tasted victory in Victoria since May last year.
It was Dean Solomon’s first win as caretaker coach since replacing Brad Scott in May.
While only 14,601 fans attended the game, the scenes of joy for the Bombers were palpable.
“It’s a bloody good feeling. Our footy club’s been on its knees for a period of time, and the footy world’s jumped on that, and they enjoy us sitting at the bottom,” Solomon said.
“We’ve felt that, and we don’t like that, so to push back a little bit and get one win, albeit one win, I’m just really happy for these players.”
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Jon Pierik is a sports journalist at The Age. He covers AFL and has won awards for his cricket and basketball writing.Connect via X or email.From our partners