Bobby Hill’s Swift Return on the Horizon for Collingwood?
Collingwood coach Craig McRae has provided an optimistic outlook on the return of livewire small forward Bobby Hill, hinting that his comeback to the field might be sooner than initially anticipated. Hill, the celebrated 2023 Norm Smith Medalist, has recently rejoined training after a significant period of personal leave. While McRae was hesitant to commit to a definitive timeline, he expressed considerable enthusiasm regarding Hill’s presence back at the club.
“Seeing Bobby with a smile on his face is incredibly encouraging for everyone here,” McRae stated. “He’s looking fit, well, and healthy. He’s put in a tremendous amount of hard work internally, and we’re mindful that he’s essentially entering pre-season mode again. However, from what I can see, he appears to be in better shape than we had expected, which is a fantastic boost for us.”
When pressed about whether Hill’s return could be measured in weeks rather than months, McRae indicated a positive sentiment. “I’d lean towards weeks, yes,” he commented. “Bobby is the type of player who truly comes alive when the competitive action starts. Pre-season has never been his strongest period, but I’m happy to provide more concrete updates as we progress over the coming weeks. It’s simply great to have him back in the club environment.”
Key Defenders Set for Return, Minutes May Be Managed
The Magpies’ coach also confirmed the impending return of key defenders Jeremy Howe and Darcy Moore to the playing squad. However, McRae didn’t entirely rule out the possibility of managing their game time in their initial outings.
“It’s possible they might not play at 100 per cent game time,” McRae explained. “Typically, roles in the key defensive posts demand full involvement. We might need to manage them, so we’ll assess how that unfolds. I’m also keen to see ‘Howie’ spend some time forward. His GPS data apparently shows he covers twice as much ground as a forward, and I believe he has the capability to contribute effectively in that area during games.”
Untried Talent Oscar Steene Earns AFL Opportunity
Untried ruckman Oscar Steene is set to make his AFL debut after an impressive pre-season campaign. His elevation signifies a strategic move by the club, potentially addressing concerns about forward line potency.
Forward Line Focus Amidst Scoring Droughts
The Magpies’ forward line has been a subject of considerable discussion, particularly in light of scoring challenges. After parting ways with forwards Brody Mihocek and Mason Cox in the off-season, the club has been grappling with consistent scoring, especially failing to breach the 100-point mark since Round 17 last year. This has become a focal point in 2026, especially with increased scoring and faster game pace attributed to recent rule changes.
“I felt our connection inside our forward 50 was particularly poor in our last game, despite having ample entries,” McRae admitted. “The game before that, our entries were lacking, though our connection was strong. It’s a mixed bag for our forwards at the moment, and we need to dedicate the next couple of weeks to improving that connection.
“I don’t get too caught up in the external narrative of not reaching 100 points, but we are certainly focused on self-improvement. We’re currently experiencing two distinct types of games. In our Round Zero match, the opposition had numerous players back, forcing us to defend, and our backline did an exceptional job against the tide. Our most recent game saw a high volume of entries but a lack of cohesion. You’ll find that most teams experience this. When you have turnovers in the forward half, you’re entering densely populated areas, and that’s a challenge we’ll need to confront this week.
“The Giants are particularly adept at getting numbers back, as well as any team in the competition. We need to enhance our connection and execution in these phases. We’ll need to work diligently on these aspects, and we also need to find a way to generate more impact with our key forwards. We’ll be trialling a few different approaches.”
Nick Daicos’ Tasmanian Sojourn Addressed
Coach McRae also commented on Nick Daicos’ recent bye-week trip to Tasmania, where he was reportedly seen with Devils director Roger Curtis.
“Tasmania is a fantastic destination for travel,” McRae remarked. “There’s plenty of bass and fly fishing to be enjoyed – it’s good fun. All I’ll say about Nick and Josh is that they are absolutely thriving in our environment. They are very well compensated, as they rightfully should be, and they are in career-best form. Their training standards are as high as any we’ve ever seen. They are flourishing and well looked after, and that’s all within our control.
“I speak to Nick regularly about these kinds of matters, and ultimately, it is what it is. Others are creating this narrative. Last time I checked, he had a four-year contract with us.”
Reef McInnes Set for VFL Return
Meanwhile, defender Reef McInnes, who has been sidelined for an extended period due to an ACL rupture, is slated to play in Collingwood’s VFL clash against GWS on Friday afternoon. His return marks a significant step in his recovery process.
