Magpies star released from $3m deal to focus on ‘personal matters’
Updated . First published
AFL star Bobby Hill plans to take a break from the game after being granted a release by Collingwood.
The club on Friday confirmed it had agreed to release the 2023 Norm Smith Medallist from the remainder of his contract, which ran until the end of 2030 and was reportedly worth $750,000 per season.
Bobby Hill has left Collingwood. Josh Chadwick/AFL Photos via Getty Images
Hill, 26, will become a delisted free agent and can be picked up by another club from next season.
But he says he plans to step away from football to focus on issues in his personal life.
“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,” Hill said in a club statement.
“I’m going to take a break from football to keep working on myself and regain my passion for the game.”
Hill began his AFL career at the Giants before heading to the Magpies, and was the best player on the field as Collingwood won the 2023 grand final.
He only played half of last season with the Magpies and had not played any footy this year, only appearing at club headquarters sporadically.
“The club has been working with Bobby over the past 12 months to put support structures in place to help him work through some personal matters,” Collingwood said.
“Despite this, Bobby has unfortunately struggled to meet his commitments to the club consistently this year and agreed that taking a break from football is the best decision for him and his family.”
The confirmation came just hours after Hill had called out a racist and abusive message someone had sent him on social media.
Nine.com.au has chosen not to publish the message itself, but Hill reposted it to his own social media with the caption, “anyone know this tough guy?“.
Magpies coach Craig McRae was shocked to learn of the abuse directed at Hill, condemning it following Thursday night’s loss to Geelong.
Bobby Hill of the Magpies celebrates winning the Norm Smith Medal in 2023. Getty
“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 just to vent. I find it fascinating that’s actually something that people would be interested in.
“If Bobby’s listening there, I’m sorry to hear that’s the case. We’ll always love him. It’s sad to hear that.”
The Magpies sit ninth on the AFL ladder and are fighting to make the league’s new wildcard round.
