๐๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ธ๐ถ๐ป๐ด: Bobby Hill signs four-year contract extension with Collingwood, committed until 2029
Collingwood Football Club has today confirmed that small forward Bobby Hill has officially signed a fresh four-year contract extension, securing his services until the end of the 2029 AFL season. The move solidifies Hillโs place as one of the Magpiesโ long-term attacking weapons and provides the reigning premiers with a major boost as they continue to shape their squad for the future.
The 24-year-old speedster, who was instrumental in Collingwoodโs 2023 premiership victory and crowned the Norm Smith Medalist for his grand final heroics, has rapidly become one of the most important figures in the clubโs high-octane forward line. Hillโs blend of pace, flair, pressure, and finishing ability has made him a fan favourite at the MCG, and the Magpies were determined not to risk losing him to rival clubs circling for his signature.
Hillโs journey to stardom
Bobby Hillโs story has captured the imagination of the AFL world. Originally drafted to the Greater Western Sydney Giants, he spent several years developing his craft before making the high-profile move to Collingwood ahead of the 2023 season. That trade, initially met with curiosity, turned out to be one of the most pivotal decisions in recent memory.
Hill slotted seamlessly into Craig McRaeโs system, providing not only scoreboard impact but also relentless defensive pressure inside the forward 50. His grand final performance, in which he kicked four goals and lit up the MCG, elevated him from promising player to bona fide star. From that moment on, his value โ both to the Magpies and the competition โ skyrocketed.
The extension deal
Collingwood list manager Graham Wright described Hillโs new deal as a โstatement signing,โ underlining the clubโs faith in the young forwardโs ability to be a cornerstone of their success for years to come.
โBobby embodies everything we want in a Collingwood footballer. Heโs skilful, courageous, team-oriented, and plays with enormous spirit. To have him locked in until 2029 is a huge result for our football club.โ
The four-year extension is believed to elevate Hill into one of Collingwoodโs better-paid players, reflecting his importance in their premiership window. While exact figures remain confidential, AFL insiders suggest the contract secures Hill at a salary befitting his reputation as one of the leagueโs premier small forwards.
A player loved by fans and teammates
Hillโs impact stretches far beyond the scoreboard. He has become a cult hero among Magpie fans, known for his dazzling highlights, infectious smile, and humble approach. Teammates often praise his work ethic and his ability to lift spirits around the club.
Captain Darcy Moore was quick to congratulate his teammate on the extension:
โBobby is the type of player you just love running out alongside. He brings so much energy to our group, and his courage and creativity are second to none. Weโre all thrilled heโs staying a Magpie for the long term.โ
Overcoming adversity
Hillโs journey hasnโt been without hardship. In 2022, while still at GWS, he was diagnosed with testicular cancer, forcing him to step away from football for treatment. His successful recovery and subsequent return to the game were widely celebrated, and his grand final triumph just a year later was viewed as one of the most inspirational stories in modern AFL history.
That personal resilience continues to inspire fans and teammates alike, making Hill not only a star on the field but also a role model off it. His contract extension ensures that his story remains interwoven with Collingwoodโs fabric well into the next decade.
The bigger picture for Collingwood
Hillโs re-signing is the latest in a string of moves by Collingwood to secure the core of their premiership list. With Moore, Nick Daicos, Josh Daicos, and Jordan De Goey already committed to long-term deals, the Magpies are positioning themselves for sustained success.
The challenge, as always, will be balancing the salary cap while keeping their key contributors satisfied. But with Hill now secured until 2029, Collingwoodโs forward line looks set to remain one of the most dangerous in the competition.
Looking ahead
For Hill himself, the new contract is both a reward for his past achievements and an opportunity to take his game to new heights. In comments following the announcement, he emphasized his excitement about the years ahead:
โCollingwood has given me so much since I arrived, and I feel at home here. I love the boys, I love the fans, and I canโt wait to see what we can achieve together over the next few years. This club is special, and Iโm proud to be part of it until at least 2029.โ
As the 2025 AFL season unfolds, Hillโs focus will remain firmly on delivering for the Magpies each week. With his future secured, both he and Collingwood can turn their attention to the immediate challenge: chasing another premiership.
Conclusion
Bobby Hillโs four-year extension is more than just a contract โ itโs a declaration of belief, both in his talents and in Collingwoodโs pursuit of sustained excellence. From overcoming personal battles to becoming a premiership hero, Hillโs journey has already been remarkable. Now, locked in until 2029, his story at the Magpies is only just beginning.
For Collingwood supporters, the message is clear: Bobby Hill isnโt going anywhere, and the black-and-white army can look forward to more magic from their small forward star for years to come.