As Collingwood prepares for its huge qualifying final against the Crows in Adelaide, superstar Nick Daicos has given a surprising and welcome update on teammate Bobby Hill.
The 2023 Norm Smith medallist has only played once for the Pies since back in round 15 and there has been some concern for his welfare.
Hill separated from his long-term partner back in July and there were also reports of a falling out with his cousin, St Kilda veteran Brad Hill.
The 25-year-old caught up with coach Craig McRae last week and has now participated in a full training session with the Pies in a hugely encouraging sign.
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Fresh off his Players' Assocation MVP award, Daicos was clearly thrilled to have the damaging small forward back in the ranks.
“(Hill) was awesome, I think if you watch training you realise how electric he is, it’s great to have him back and in great spirits,” Daicos said.
“We love having Bobby inside the four walls, he’s such a joyful person, (but) it’s a day-by-day process with Bob and it’s been great seeing him train so well."
Asked if he seemed extra motivated upon his return to training, Daicos said: “I think so.
"I think he’s really enjoying his footy and I think the main thing for us is he’s got a smile on his face and he’s joking around inside the club.”
Hill is believed to have asked McRae to keep the door open for his potential return to the side in the finals series.
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Having played so little footy in recent months, Hill's possible return could hinge on his fitness.
"We know Bob's super important to what we do," Daicos added.
"The (strength and conditioning) team just want to make sure he's completing his training, which he's doing at the moment.
"It's so exciting to see him out there, running around with a ball in hand and taking blokes on.
"That's up to them when (they think) he's fit to be ready and we're just enjoying seeing him around."