Arabic version: مكراي يدعم هيل مع اقتراب رحيله عن كولينغوود

According to ABC News, Collingwood coach Craig McRae says Bobby Hill will remain welcome at the club as the forward appears set to end his contract early. McRae said his priority was Hill’s wellbeing while the club and the player’s management handle discussions concerning the deal, which runs until the end of 2030.

Hill, 26, has taken stretches of personal leave and has not played for Collingwood since round 21 last year. The small forward was a key figure in the Magpies’ 2023 premiership, winning the Norm Smith Medal after kicking four goals in the grand final against Brisbane.

“I haven’t seen Bobby in the building for a while … if you’re out there, Bobby, we’ve got a lot of love and care for you, we’ll never waver in our love and support for the young man,” McRae said. He added that contract conversations were outside his control and said Hill, as a premiership player and Norm Smith medallist, would “forever be welcome in our four walls.”

McRae spoke before Collingwood’s Thursday-night round 20 meeting with Adelaide at Adelaide Oval. He expects a finals-like atmosphere after the Magpies beat the Crows by 24 points in a qualifying final at the venue last year.

Despite a five-day turnaround following Saturday night’s game, McRae said the group’s training intensity made him unlikely to rest veteran players, including Scott Pendlebury. Midfielder Josh Daicos missed training with an ankle injury but is expected to be available, while defender Jeremy Howe is set to be named after overcoming a calf injury.