Bobby Hill’s story in 2026 has become about far more than football. The Collingwood Magpies forward, celebrated as one of the AFL’s most electrifying talents and the 2024 Norm Smith Medallist, is now navigating a deeply personal chapter involving family, recovery, and a gradual return to elite sport.

Recent developments suggest Hill and partner Georgia Devlin have reconciled after a difficult period that saw the couple separate last year. As they prepare to welcome their third child, Hill’s AFL comeback has temporarily been placed on hold, with Collingwood prioritising family over football.

A Season Defined by Personal Challenges

Hill has not played AFL football since Round 21 of last season. The 26-year-old stepped away from the club after the reported breakdown of his relationship with Devlin, who returned to Perth with the couple’s two sons.

The situation marked a significant interruption in the career of one of Collingwood’s most important players. Hill had become a fan favourite due to his explosive speed, goal sense, and ability to perform on the biggest stage.

Rather than rushing him back into competition, Collingwood adopted a patient approach. Hill trained privately for months before returning to the club environment in March 2026. His comeback has since progressed through the VFL, where he recently completed his first full game in an encouraging sign for the Magpies.

While supporters hoped his AFL return was imminent, family responsibilities have understandably taken precedence.

Craig McRae Confirms Leave Ahead of Childbirth

Collingwood coach Craig McRae confirmed that Hill would miss football commitments while supporting Devlin ahead of the birth of their third child.

“Bobby’s partner is due, she’s due this weekend, he’s unlikely to play,” McRae said.

“I am not sure if she’s going into labour, but he’s not here today, she’s got a bit going on.

“Again, we wish them well and see how that goes in the next couple of days.”

The comments strongly indicated the pair are back together after months of speculation surrounding their relationship status.

Hill’s absence this week is not injury-related alone; it reflects the club’s willingness to place player wellbeing and family circumstances above immediate on-field needs.

Collingwood’s Faith in Bobby Hill

Throughout Hill’s time away, teammates and coaches have repeatedly emphasized how valued he remains inside the club.

Forward Lachie Schultz described Hill as an “infectious character” whose return has lifted morale around the Magpies’ football department.

“We’re just happy to see him back at the club and enjoying his time and his footy again,” Schultz said.

“He’s such an infectious character and everyone’s loving having him around.”

Schultz also revealed that Hill’s fitness and confidence have steadily improved since rejoining the club environment earlier this year.

“He played his first full game (in the VFL) and it was great to see him get through a full game,” Schultz said.

“We just love seeing Bobby being his bright and bubbly self. He’s such a popular guy at the club and we just love having him around.”

The remarks paint a picture of a player rebuilding not only physically, but emotionally and socially after a turbulent period away from the spotlight.

Why Bobby Hill Matters So Much to Collingwood

Hill’s importance to Collingwood extends beyond statistics. At his best, he changes the dynamic of the Magpies’ forward line with elite pressure, unpredictability, and creativity near goal.

His iconic performance in the 2023 AFL Grand Final cemented his place in Collingwood folklore, and his 2024 Norm Smith Medal elevated him into the league’s elite small forwards.

The Magpies have struggled at times this season with forward efficiency and scoreboard conversion. Schultz openly admitted the club has been working through offensive issues after inconsistent performances.

Hill’s eventual return is expected to provide a major boost.

“He’s a very special player in our forward half and someone that knows how to hit the scoreboard,” Schultz explained.

“We’re seeing that in the VFL so far — he hasn’t lost any of that. He’s kicking goals and he’s got his ‘Bobby shine’.”

For a Collingwood side currently sitting 10th on the AFL ladder, the return of a proven match-winner could significantly influence the second half of the season.

Sir Doug Nicholls Round and Cultural Recognition

Hill’s presence at the AFL’s Sir Doug Nicholls Round launch earlier this week also carried symbolic importance.

Observers noted he appeared relaxed and upbeat, laughing with fellow Indigenous players and reconnecting publicly with the football community.

Collingwood will also wear a special Indigenous guernsey inspired by Hill’s life story during Sir Doug Nicholls Round. The jumper was designed by 11-year-old Noongar Yamatji artist Jed Bennell.

The tribute highlights Hill’s cultural significance as one of the AFL’s most visible Indigenous stars. His journey—from Western Australia to premiership glory at Collingwood—has become a powerful narrative within modern Australian football.

A Club Balancing Compassion and Competition

Hill’s situation reflects a broader evolution in professional sport, where clubs increasingly prioritise mental health, family support, and player welfare.

In previous eras, athletes often felt pressure to return quickly regardless of personal circumstances. Collingwood’s management of Hill’s absence signals a more contemporary approach.

McRae’s consistent messaging has focused on patience rather than deadlines.

“Watching Bobby and looking at his GPS (numbers), there’s still a level that he’s not quite meeting,” McRae said.

“But he’s played one full game (in the VFL) so we’ll give him a bit of time and space.”

That “time and space” philosophy may ultimately help Hill return to football in a stronger and more sustainable way.

What Comes Next for Bobby Hill?

The immediate focus for Hill is clearly family, with the birth of his third child expected within days.

After that, attention will shift back toward football and whether he can reclaim his place in Collingwood’s senior side during the 2026 AFL season.

The signs are encouraging:

• He has resumed training with the club.
• He has returned to VFL competition.
• Teammates report improved fitness and confidence.
• Coaches continue to publicly support him.
• He appears increasingly comfortable back within the football environment.

For Collingwood supporters, the hope is that the next chapter of Bobby Hill’s career combines personal stability with a successful return to the AFL stage.

Given his talent, experience, and connection to the club, few doubt his ability to make a major impact once fully ready.

For now, though, football can wait.

As the Magpies continue their push through the 2026 season, one of their brightest stars is focused on something even bigger than the game itself: family.