Collingwood premiership hero Bobby Hill has made his long-awaited return to training.<\/p>\n
The 2023 Norm Smith Medallist had not trained since December after he was granted extended leave to deal with his personal issues.<\/p>\n
Hill was one of the first players out on the track at Collingwood\u2019s Olympic Park facility on Monday morning as the Magpies prepare for the small forward\u2019s former side GWS at Marvel Stadium on Friday night.<\/p>\n
The personal absence was granted for Hill to deal with his relationship breakdown and relocation of his two young children.<\/p>\n
Collingwood has allowed Hill to spend time in Western Australia, where his former partner and children now live.<\/p>\n
Hill played 14 games in 2025 but his last match was a time-managed half against Brisbane in Round 15.<\/p>\n
He made a last-gasp effort to play against the Lions again in the preliminary final but Collingwood opted against parachuting him in.<\/p>\n
The 26-year-old reportedly returned to the club late last week but did not participate in any training during Collingwood\u2019s bye week.<\/p>\n
Hill still has a long road back to playing senior football after such a long period away but his attendance at training is a colossal step forward.<\/p>\n
The eventual selection of Hill would be vitally important for the Magpies after coach Craig McRae conceded the connection inside 50 was \u201caverage\u201d against Adelaide. <\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s reality, we\u2019re not getting much out of our keys, that\u2019s real (and) we\u2019re not going to shy away from that. We\u2019ve got work to do on that,\u201d McRae said.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think there\u2019s a connection breakdown at times (but) the second and fourth quarters we kicked nine of our 11 goals, so you say no then.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat about the last quarter? How is our connection? I\u2019d say pretty good \u2026 that\u2019s what you get at Round 1: opportunities to go against other teams and figure out what the issues are right now.<\/p>\n
\u201cCentre bounce has been a bit of a pattern for us. We\u2019ve got some work to do, and then we\u2019ve got some work forward of the ball.\u201d<\/p>\n
Hill has kicked 33, 30 and 20 goals in his three seasons as a Magpie and is contracted until the end of the 2030 season.<\/p>\n