Concern is growing for Collingwood star Bobby Hill as he continues to face personal issues away from footy.
The 25-year-old played in 13 of the Pies' opening 14 games, but has now turned out for the side just once since round 15.
Following five weeks on the sideline, the 2023 Norm Smith medallist returned for the round 21 defeat to the Lions, and has now missed the past two games due to illness, according to the club.
But details are emerging about the struggles the livewire forward is facing and concern among the footy community.
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Hill reportedly separated from his long-term partner in July. He was planning to join the team in Adelaide to face the Crows last weekend, which didn't eventuate, according to AFL reporter Caroline Wilson.
“I think Bobby Hill was planning to go to Adelaide," Wilson said on Channel 7's The Agenda Setters.
"I can’t tell you exactly what happened that stopped him from going to Adelaide.
“I do know that his family is really worried about him, his friends are really worried about him.
“Now, we know he had a marriage issue. And then it became about about his fitness.”
The club has remained mostly quiet about Hill's apparent troubles, with coach Craig McRae asked about the goalkicker following the loss at Adelaide Oval
“Bobby’s getting better every day,” he said. “Not sure if he’s available next week but it’s pleasing to have him back this week training hard for us.”
It has since been reported that Hill had a falling out with his cousin, veteran St Kilda wingman Bradley Hill.
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“One person he’s always been really close to is his cousin, Brad Hill," Wilson continued. "I understand there’s been a falling out there between the two families.
"Partly, I think, because Brad Hill attempted to perform some form of intervention and actually reached out to the Collingwood Football Club, he was so worried about his cousin.
“I don’t think that went down too well with Bobby Hill and I think there’s been days where he’s just been uncontactable by anyone. Days leading to even a week at some point.
“I mean, talk about fitness, talk about family and the personal issues, but I think it’s getting a bit more serious than that, and I think people are really worried about Bobby Hill’s welfare."