Updated ,first published
In today’s AFL briefing:
- The Magpies and Premiership forward Bobby Hill are set to part ways.
- Essendon star Nate Caddy has been released from hospital and is expected to play this week.
Magpies and premiership stars ahead preparing to split
Collingwood are struggling to part ways with premiership star Bobby Hill.
Norm Smith Medalist 2023 he is under contract through the end of 2030 on a deal reportedly worth about $750,000 per season.
Industry sources have confirmed that talks between the Magpies and Hill’s management at Mac Sports Broadcasting are ongoing. Magpies and Mac Games Manager were available for comment.
Hill has not played a senior match since round 21 last year, mainly due to personal issues.
He had a long summer break but was welcomed back into the fold earlier this season. He was training in urban stadiums with a trainer before returning to the club.
The talented young forward has played three VFL games, but has been a regular at the club.
Coach Craig McRae has repeatedly said he was excited about Hill’s potential return, but there was always the caveat of the unknown.
McRae said in June that Hill was still working through his personal issues.
“Well, fighting,” McRae replied when asked about Hill.
“He has a few things, let’s be clear, he has a lot of things, he is working, but it is nice to have him in the house.
“He’s a long way from playing footy … but then again, when he’s in our building, at least we get opportunities to make him feel loved and appreciated.”
Hill and girlfriend Georgia Devlin welcomed their third child in May.
Seven reported on Monday that Hill was interested in a move to the Brisbane Lions, Gold Coast or Port Adelaide.
Hill was previously drafted by Greater Western Sydney with pick No.24 in 2018.
He has played 102 senior games in eight seasons.
If the attackers are confident, Caddy will face the Hawks
Essendon is confident Nate Caddy will be available for selection this week after being hospitalized with an irregular heartbeat during Sunday’s three-point win over Greater Western Sydney.
Caddy was taken to hospital for a check-up, after collapsing on the pitch when he arrived on the bench in the first quarter. He had more tests but was given the all clear and discharged on Sunday night.
Essendon senior football manager Daniel McPherson said he expected Caddy to train this week ahead of Saturday’s clash with arch-rivals Hawthorn.
“There was concern in the first quarter when Nate’s heart rate went up,” McPherson said Monday.
“He was taken out of the game and our medical team assessed him on the field before taking him to hospital for further examination, he was discharged last night and has returned home.
“He is expected to be able to practice and play without concern this week.”
Caddy recently signed a contract extension until the end of 2031 in a major boost for the Bombers, who no longer sit bottom of the ladder.
Wingman Xavier Duursma (thigh muscle) is facing tension outside the field.
The Bombers were able to sing the club anthem for only the second time in 31 games after defeating the shocked Giants. It was their first win since beating Melbourne in the Gather Round game in Adelaide on April 11, while they haven’t tasted victory in Victoria since May last year.
It was Dean Solomon’s first win as interim coach since replacing Brad Scott in May.
While only 14,601 fans attended the game, moments of joy for the Bombers were evident.
“It’s a bloody good feeling. Our footy club has been kneeling for a while, and the footy world jumped on it, and they’re happy for us to sit down,” Solomon said.
“We’ve felt that, and we don’t like that, so to go back a little bit and get one win, even though one win, I’m very happy for these players.”
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Jon Pierik is a sports journalist at The Age. He covers the AFL and has won awards for his cricket and basketball coverage.Connect through X or email address.
