{"id":434164,"date":"2026-01-24T09:36:35","date_gmt":"2026-01-24T09:36:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/434164\/"},"modified":"2026-01-24T09:36:35","modified_gmt":"2026-01-24T09:36:35","slug":"collingwood-superstar-nick-daicos-says-there-is-no-rush-on-norm-smith-medallist-bobby-hills-afl-return","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/434164\/","title":{"rendered":"Collingwood superstar Nick Daicos says there is no rush on Norm Smith medallist Bobby Hill\u2019s AFL return"},"content":{"rendered":"

Collingwood<\/a> superstar Nick Daicos has reiterated there is no pressure on sidelined forward Bobby Hill to return to the club before he is ready.<\/p>\n

Hill, the 2023 Norm Smith medallist<\/a>, is on extended leave for the second time in 12 months<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The 25-year-old played just 14 games last year due to his personal situation impacting his ability to train.<\/p>\n

Know the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today Arrow<\/a><\/p>\n

Even after he returned to the club in the lead-up to finals, Hill was overlooked for selection as the Magpies bowed out in the preliminary final to eventual premiers the Brisbane Lions.<\/p>\n

Collingwood released a statement on January 9 confirming Hill would not return to the club until after the Christmas break.<\/p>\n

Hill wasn\u2019t with the rest of the squad as they attended the Australian Open on Friday in the Emirates marquee.<\/p>\n

\u201cWith Bob, it\u2019s just ensuring that his health and wellbeing is the main priority constantly,\u201d Daicos said.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ve been checking in with him, and I think he\u2019s going well.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhenever the time\u2019s ready for him and he\u2019s ready to join back in training is a win.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe all love seeing him out there doing what he does, and he gives us all so much energy.<\/p>\n

\u201cHopefully that\u2019s soon, but I don\u2019t think there\u2019s any pressure on him.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe just want him, his health and well being to be the main priority.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ve all been respectful and want Bob to be feeling like he can come to and talk to us.<\/p>\n

\u201cA lot of us have checked in making sure he\u2019s going well, and it seems to be that he is feeling really good.\u201d<\/p>\n

Even if Hill does return to training imminently, the premiership hero will almost certainly be unavailable early in the season.<\/p>\n

But Daicos is confident Collingwood can cover his absence, as well as the departure of fellow forward Brody Mihocek to Melbourne.<\/p>\n

\"BobbyBobby Hill (left) with teammate Dan McStay at training last year. Credit: AAP<\/p>\n

Collingwood\u2019s best player also shut down familiar criticism of the Magpies\u2019 age profile.<\/p>\n

They will again enter the season with the oldest list in the competition, giving new contracts to the likes of Scott Pendlebury, Steele Sidebottom and Jeremy Howe.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll start the season really strong so I\u2019m looking forward to that,\u201d Daicos said.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe had the same (predicted for us in) 2025 where they (experts) were saying we\u2019re getting older, but we still made a prelim.\u201d<\/p>\n

Daicos shrugged off any concerns about his fitness, starring during a match simulation session on Friday.<\/p>\n

The 23-year-old briefly left the field at training last week with a leg concern but returned later in the session.<\/p>\n

\u201cFeeling really fresh, body feels awesome heading into the practice matches,\u201d Daicos said.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe club\u2019s done a great job with managing a few of the boys, and now we\u2019re seeing the benefits of it.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s quite frustrating the time when you get held back because you want to train, but now the body feels amazing.\u201d<\/p>\n

If you need help in a crisis, call Lifeline on 13 11 14. For further information about depression contact beyondblue on 1300224636 or talk to your GP, local health professional or someone you trust.<\/p>\n

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