Collingwood has confirmed the departure of forward Bobby Hill as the club and player seek to part ways following a difficult period marked by inconsistent engagement and off-field challenges. Hill was under contract until the end of 2030, with an estimated annual salary of $700,000.

Hill, the 2023 Norm Smith medallist, last appeared for Collingwood in Round 21 of the 2025 season. The club had maintained hopes of his return to the field as recently as June this year. However, after a turbulent season and ongoing struggles with his professional commitments, negotiations to finalize his exit intensified in July. Hill himself was not directly involved in these discussions but agreed to an arrangement that sees him receive an undisclosed portion of his remaining contracted salary.

Collingwood’s football boss Charlie Gardiner acknowledged the extensive efforts made by the club to support Hill over the past year, including engagement with cultural and First Nations leaders. Despite these resources, the club concluded that Hill’s inconsistent preparation and commitment to professional standards ultimately made it impractical for him to continue.

“A hell of a lot of work has been done with Bobby,” Gardiner said. “We’ve arrived at this decision together. I can’t fault the work that everyone has done over the last 12 months to support Bobby... I think we all got to the point where we realised right now that’s not the priority for Bobby.”

Coach Craig McRae addressed the media following a recent loss, reflecting on the negative social media abuse Hill had endured. Hill had shared a hostile message he received online, in which a sender accused him of disappointing the club and wished him ill. McRae condemned such behavior and expressed his support for the player, highlighting the vitriolic nature of online commentary.

“It’s a crazy place at times, isn’t it?” McRae said. “I don’t do social media, so bear with me, but I did look at a website which had feedback, and the feedback is unbelievable. It’s just a cesspool for people to vent...If Bobby’s listening there, I’m sorry to hear that’s the case. We’ll always love him.”

In a club statement, Hill expressed gratitude for his time at Collingwood and outlined his intention to take a break from football to focus on personal well-being and re-engage with his passion for the game. “I’ll always be proud to have been part of this club and thankful for the opportunity to represent Collingwood — I leave with memories I’ll cherish forever,” he said. “I’m going to take a break from football to keep working on myself and regain my passion for the game.”

The decision marks a significant juncture in Hill’s career, underscoring the challenges faced by elite athletes balancing the pressures of professional sport and personal health.