Bobby Hill: Former Collingwood star plots AFL return spurred on by Shai Bolton’s Norm Smith win

Former Collingwood star Bobby Hill says he’s ready to make a return to footy, with Shai Bolton’s grand final performance reportedly lighting the fire.

The 26-year-old parted ways with the Pies in July this year after multiple absences from the club as he dealt with a myriad of off-field personal issues.

The 2023 Norm Smith medallist admitted he had lost his love for football, but he is now plotting a return, training hard to get back into shape.

“That’s all I grew up knowing, just footy, footy, footy and that was my plan A, not having a plan B and C,” he told Nine.

“I think I just lost the love of the game and now I’m back, full on and want to get back into it. I do miss it, so I can’t wait.

“Very fortunate to win a grand final and top it off with a Norm Smith, and I just want to move forward now.”

The West Australian had previously been linked with a move to Gold Coast or a move back to WA, but given his absence from the game, he would likely have to make several assurances for a club to take a punt on him.

Interestingly, Hill said seeing Fremantle star Shai Bolton win a Norm Smith medal in the Dockers’ heartbreaking grand final defeat had provided more motivation.

“Congratulations to Shai (Bolton) for winning one (Norm Smith), welcome to the club. It put a bit of fire in the belly,” he said.

“Hopefully if clubs out there want me and hopefully I can get back on there, I’m pretty confident I can show what I can do, if not even better and win games for teams.”

Hill played 61 games across almost four seasons at Collingwood, including the 2023 premiership, having previously spent four seasons with Greater Western Sydney.