GREAT NEWS: Collingwood Magpies star forward and 2023 Norm Smith Medallist Bobby Hill has officially announced his return from indefinite personal leave, sending excitement into the MCG — find out the date below!
In a thrilling boost for Collingwood fans everywhere, the Magpies have confirmed that star forward Bobby Hill will make his long‑awaited return from indefinite personal leave in Round 9 of the 2026 AFL season. Hill is set to line up against the Geelong Cats on Saturday, 9 May, with the match scheduled for 7:35 pm at GMHBA Stadium. The news has ignited excitement among supporters at the MCG and across the wider AFL community, marking a much‑anticipated moment in the Black and White’s season.
Hill, who took time away from the club earlier in the year to focus on personal matters, had been the subject of speculation and hope among the Magpie Army since his absence was first announced in January. Collingwood issued a statement at the time confirming that the Norm Smith Medallist would not return to the club until after the Christmas break and that his wellbeing was the priority — a stance echoed by teammates and club officials.
Over recent weeks, there has been increasing chatter in football circles about when exactly the 2023 Grand Final hero would step back onto the AFL field. Now, the wait is over. The club has confirmed that Hill will be included in the selected side for the Round 9 clash against Geelong, a marquee matchup that promises star‑studded action. While the Cats have traditionally been a formidable opponent, the Magpies’ faithful are delighted at the prospect of seeing Hill’s electrifying skills return to the forward line.
Standing at just 173 cm, Hill’s impact on the game has always been significant. Since joining Collingwood, the livewire forward has been a critical part of the Magpies’ attacking arsenal, known for his pace, evasive skills and goal‑mouth brilliance. His career highlight to date came in the 2023 Grand Final, where his outstanding performance earned him the Norm Smith Medal as the match’s best player. That performance not only helped guide Collingwood to premiership glory but firmly cemented Hill’s status as one of the competition’s elite forwards.
Fans at the MCG and around the country have been eagerly awaiting this moment, and the announcement of the official return date has sparked a wave of anticipation. Social media platforms have been buzzing, with supporters celebrating the news and expressing confidence that Hill’s return will give Collingwood a significant boost as they push through the middle portion of the 2026 season.
Collingwood’s coaching staff have urged patience and support for Hill throughout his journey, emphasising that his wellbeing remains their utmost priority. Now that he’s ready to return, the focus will shift to integrating him back into team structures and match‑day rotations. Given his talent and proven big‑game temperament, Hill’s presence is expected to add a new dimension to the Magpies’ forward setups and inject fresh belief into their campaign.
With the Round 9 match fast approaching — Saturday, 9 May at 7:35 pm AEST at GMHBA Stadium — anticipation is building for what could be a monumental night for Collingwood supporters, as their Norm Smith Medallist takes the field once again.
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