Collingwood star Bobby Hill's potential split with partner reportedly behind AFL absence
More than half of agents say drug use is an issue for their players.
Speculation is growing that one of the AFL's top stars has split from his long-time partner.
Collingwood gun and West Australian Bobby Hill has returned to training and is closing in on a return from a month-long absence for personal reasons.
The 2023 Norm Smith medallist hasn't played since the Pies' win over St Kilda in round 15 on June 21, with the club citing personal reasons and then illness for his absence.
In an update posted on Tuesday, the club said they are expecting the forward to return next week.
'Bobby Hill has missed the side's last three matches due to personal reasons and was unable to train last week due to illness. Hill returned to training over the weekend,' the club posted.
'His focus is on resuming full training before a timeline is placed on his return. The Club continues to support Hill throughout this period.'
The Daily Mail has reported that Hill has split with partner Georgia Devlin, with the couple unfollowing each other on social media and scrubbing their accounts of photos of each other.
There are reports that Devlin has remained in WA with Hill's two children, with homesickness a major factor behind the split.
Camera Icon
Norm Smith medallist Bobby Hill with his partner Georgia and son
Credit: Instagram
It would be a devastating blow for Hill, who is often pictured with his two young boys at training and after games.
'When the kids come to sing the song after a game, it feels like a country footy game - the club say I can have the kids in with me whenever I can, so it's good, it feels like a big family,' Hill said in May.
The couple have been together since Hill's rise at GWS, where he debuted at just age 18, and was beside him as he battled testicular cancer.
Hill credited Devlin for helping him overcome the ordeal.
'I always asked why me?' in that situation. I wouldn't put that upon anyone,' he said.
'But going back to my family and here at the club, it's made me a stronger man.'
Collingwood have elected to close ranks around their star with coach Craig McRae saying the club would not be commenting on the situation.
However, in good news for Pies fans Hill did post a photo of him with his boys and Collingwood teammates with an hourglass emoji, hinting a return is not far away.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Courier-Mail
27 minutes ago
- Courier-Mail
AFL Sydney superstar Isaac Heeney's record-breaking day leads Swans post North Melbourne Kangaroos
Don't miss out on the headlines from AFL. Followed categories will be added to My News. Sydney have kept their highly improbable finals hopes alive for another week with a 31-point victory over an uninspiring North Melbourne outfit at the SCG. The Kangaroos briefly hit the front early in the second term, but never got back within striking distance for the rest of the match as the Swans won 11.10 (76) to 6.10 (46). FOX FOOTY, available on Kayo Sports, is the only place to watch every match of every round in the 2025 Toyota AFL Premiership Season LIVE in 4K, with no ad-breaks during play. New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited-time offer. Superstar Isaac Heeney was the star of the show with his sixth-ever five-goal haul at AFL level, before being dragged to the bench with half a dozen minutes to play in the match. The 29-year-old finished the match with 34 disposals — 16 contested – 13 clearances, 11 score involvements, nine inside 50s and five majors to finish with one of the games of the 2025 season. Isaac Heeney dominated in a record-breaking performance. (Photo by Phil Hillyard) It was also revealed Heeney's combination of at least five goals and more than 11 clearances had never been achieved in the same game in AFL history. For North, the absence of star ruck Tristan Xerri was sorely missed, as replacement ruck Callum Coleman-Jones went down with a calf injury before quarter-time in his first AFL game for 477 days. It meant rival star Brodie Grundy spearheaded a ruck bloodbath to register 22 disposals, 62 hit-outs and 11 clearances before being rested for the final 11 minutes of the match. 'Xerri's not playing, he's been their driver (and) dynamo all season — but no one's really stepped up in and around,' 1988 Brownlow Medalist Gerard Healy said as the final siren at the SCG loomed. The Swans have now won 13 of their past 14 games against North Melbourne, including a current streak of 10 victories. North last came up trumps against the Bloods back in Round 7, 2018. By extension, the Roos have also lost 13 of their past 16 games at the SCG. 'Isaac Heeney destroyed this game today … who from the Kangaroos of those elite picks can go to that level?' two-time North Melbourne premiership player David King said on Super Saturday Live post-game. While Heeney was dominating, fellow star Errol Gulden was penalised for a highly unusual abuse call in the third quarter. With two minutes left in the term, Nick Blakey and Gulden exchanged a handpass one-two, with the 'Lizard's' errant handpass setting Gulden a task. He tried to handpass to Heeney, but the umpire had called the ball out of play and it's fair to say the All Australian wasn't happy. Errol Gulden had some choice words for the umpire. Photo: Fox Sports Gulden threw his arms out before taking out his mouthguard so he could send some obviously choice words in the umpire's direction The umpire swiftly said: 'Free kick North Melbourne. Free kick for abuse.' Leigh Montagna said on Fox Footy: 'Gee we haven't seen an abuse free kick paid in a long time. Dissent. We haven't seen that. 'Fair enough though, that is the rule. It's just unusual in season 2025 for it to get paid.' Mark Howard added: 'It did look rather vehement from Errol. Now the crowd are also showing a touch of dissent. Heeney and former Swan Luke Parker at the SCG. (Photo by Phil Hillyard) While it wasn't always pretty, Sydney remains alive in the finals race after wearing down North Melbourne and all eyes were on that man Heeney. From early in the contest, his Swans teammates were understandably lowering their eyes trying to pick him out inside 50. 'They are trying to isolate him almost every time Isaac Heeney when he pushes into that forward line,' Healy noted. 'He can get you in the air and he can get you on the ground.' Dual All-Australian Montagna at half-time pondered whether North Melbourne coach Alastair Clarkson would seek a different matchup for the unstoppable Swan. 'Isaac Heeney's first half; you can't do much more — 19 disposals, five inside-50s, six score involvements, he's kicked a couple himself and he has eight clearances,' Montagna said. Brodie Grundy also had a day out for the Swans. (Photo by Matt King/AFL Photos/for Getty Images) 'He is doing absolutely everything and that's why he's one of the best players in the competition. 'Maybe they might have to find a different matchup — Tom Powell trying to go with him at clearance but just doesn't have the size or class to match. So, it'll be interesting if Clarko decides to make a change.' Just a few minutes into the third quarter, Heeney reeled in a high Hayden McLean entry with one hand, prompting caller Mark Howard to remark: 'He can do it all, this man.' 'He's just playing with them, Isaac Heeney,' Montagna added in reaction. North Melbourne closed the gap to 12 points at the final change, but couldn't get any closer as Heeney kicked a goal in the first minute of the fourth and then another before taking a rest on the bench in the closing stages. Originally published as Isaac Heeney's record-breaking day leads Sydney past North Melbourne
News.com.au
an hour ago
- News.com.au
Isaac Heeney's record-breaking day leads Sydney past North Melbourne
Sydney have kept their highly improbable finals hopes alive for another week with a 31-point victory over an uninspiring North Melbourne outfit at the SCG. The Kangaroos briefly hit the front early in the second term, but never got back within striking distance for the rest of the match as the Swans won 11.10 (76) to 6.10 (46). FOX FOOTY, available on Kayo Sports, is the only place to watch every match of every round in the 2025 Toyota AFL Premiership Season LIVE in 4K, with no ad-breaks during play. New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited-time offer. Superstar Isaac Heeney was the star of the show with his sixth-ever five-goal haul at AFL level, before being dragged to the bench with half a dozen minutes to play in the match. The 29-year-old finished the match with 34 disposals — 16 contested – 13 clearances, 11 score involvements, nine inside 50s and five majors to finish with one of the games of the 2025 season. It was also revealed Heeney's combination of at least five goals and more than 11 clearances had never been achieved in the same game in AFL history. For North, the absence of star ruck Tristan Xerri was sorely missed, as replacement ruck Callum Coleman-Jones went down with a calf injury before quarter-time in his first AFL game for 477 days. It meant rival star Brodie Grundy spearheaded a ruck bloodbath to register 22 disposals, 62 hit-outs and 11 clearances before being rested for the final 11 minutes of the match. 'Xerri's not playing, he's been their driver (and) dynamo all season — but no one's really stepped up in and around,' 1988 Brownlow Medalist Gerard Healy said as the final siren at the SCG loomed. The Swans have now won 13 of their past 14 games against North Melbourne, including a current streak of 10 victories. North last came up trumps against the Bloods back in Round 7, 2018. Isaac Heeney â� ðŸ'° Watch #AFLSwansNorth on ch. 504 or stream on Kayo: âœ�ï¸� BLOG ðŸ'¢ MATCH CENTRE — Fox Footy (@FOXFOOTY) July 19, 2025 By extension, the Roos have also lost 13 of their past 16 games at the SCG. 'Isaac Heeney destroyed this game today … who from the Kangaroos of those elite picks can go to that level?' two-time North Melbourne premiership player David King said on Super Saturday Live post-game. While Heeney was dominating, fellow star Errol Gulden was penalised for a highly unusual abuse call in the third quarter. With two minutes left in the term, Nick Blakey and Gulden exchanged a handpass one-two, with the 'Lizard's' errant handpass setting Gulden a task. He tried to handpass to Heeney, but the umpire had called the ball out of play and it's fair to say the All Australian wasn't happy. Gulden threw his arms out before taking out his mouthguard so he could send some obviously choice words in the umpire's direction The umpire swiftly said: 'Free kick North Melbourne. Free kick for abuse.' Leigh Montagna said on Fox Footy: 'Gee we haven't seen an abuse free kick paid in a long time. Dissent. We haven't seen that. 'Fair enough though, that is the rule. It's just unusual in season 2025 for it to get paid.' Mark Howard added: 'It did look rather vehement from Errol. Now the crowd are also showing a touch of dissent. While it wasn't always pretty, Sydney remains alive in the finals race after wearing down North Melbourne and all eyes were on that man Heeney. From early in the contest, his Swans teammates were understandably lowering their eyes trying to pick him out inside 50. 'They are trying to isolate him almost every time Isaac Heeney when he pushes into that forward line,' Healy noted. 'He can get you in the air and he can get you on the ground.' Dual All-Australian Montagna at half-time pondered whether North Melbourne coach Alastair Clarkson would seek a different matchup for the unstoppable Swan. 'Isaac Heeney's first half; you can't do much more — 19 disposals, five inside-50s, six score involvements, he's kicked a couple himself and he has eight clearances,' Montagna said. 'He is doing absolutely everything and that's why he's one of the best players in the competition. 'Maybe they might have to find a different matchup — Tom Powell trying to go with him at clearance but just doesn't have the size or class to match. So, it'll be interesting if Clarko decides to make a change.' Just a few minutes into the third quarter, Heeney reeled in a high Hayden McLean entry with one hand, prompting caller Mark Howard to remark: 'He can do it all, this man.' 'He's just playing with them, Isaac Heeney,' Montagna added in reaction. North Melbourne closed the gap to 12 points at the final change, but couldn't get any closer as Heeney kicked a goal in the first minute of the fourth and then another before taking a rest on the bench in the closing stages.
Daily Telegraph
2 hours ago
- Daily Telegraph
AFL news Hawthorn Hawks Jack Ginnivan has the last laugh in his Ken Hinkley battle after Port Adelaide win
Don't miss out on the headlines from AFL. Followed categories will be added to My News. Jack Ginnivan did his best to fire the final shot in his ongoing battle with Ken Hinkley late in Hawthorn's 38-point win over Port Adelaide at UTAS Stadium in Launceston on Saturday. The Hawks and Power have had a simmering rivalry ever since Ginnivan fanned the flames during last year's finals series. FOX FOOTY, available on Kayo Sports, is the only place to watch every match of every round in the 2025 Toyota AFL Premiership Season LIVE in 4K, with no ad-breaks during play. New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1. Last September, the polarising small forward made an Instagram comment that implied his Hawks would make short work of Port Adelaide in a semi-final and fly to Sydney to take on the Swans the following week. After Hinkley's side pulled off a three-point victory, the coach had plenty of words for Ginnivan, made an 'aeroplane' gesture (see below) and earned himself a $20,000 fine and stern talking to from the AFL. Ken Hinkley barks at Jack Ginnivan and the Hawthorn side after last year's semi-final. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images) Fast forward to Saturday afternoon and after Ginnivan kicked what proved the final goal in Hawthorn's 13.9 (87) to 7.7 (49) victory in horror conditions, he couldn't resist sheepishly putting the arms out and mimicking Hinkley's famous move. 'Will he give them the aeroplane here back to Kenny if he kicks it, Jack?' Dwayne Russell asked on Fox Footy as he prepared to send his shot towards goal. 'Yes he does! Yes he does!' Hinkley was then shown in his coach's box and he had a grin and a laugh as he saw the funny side of Ginnivan's act. 'Well done Kenny,' Dermott Brereton said. 'He's a good man Kenny. He's taken that in great spirits. 'Sometimes you just have to lick your wounds, don't you?' Jack Ginnivan pulls off the infamous move. Photo: Fox Sports Brad Johnson added: 'That's a brilliant celebration. Not over the top, just flying low today.' Brereton responded: 'It was a sheepish one too. I'm applauding Ken for having a giggle at that. Kenny's just stood up and said touche. Well done.' Some fans booed Hinkley when he was shown on the big screen, with the long-serving Port coach ending his tenure at the club at the end of this season. But Russell gave him credit for the way he handled it. 'Brilliant sportsmanship there from Kenny,' he said. 'The fans, a bit of pantomime booing when Ken was shown on the big screen too. 'But he's been a fantastic coach at Port Adelaide, he just won't be a premiership coach at Port Adelaide.' Hinkley was then naturally asked about the moment in his post-match press conference. 'Payback's, I was going to say something else there, payback's deserved,' he said with another smile. 'Look I have no problems with it, I'm OK with it, I think it's good for the game, the theatre of the game. 'And good on Jack, brave enough to go out there and play the way he played and do what he needed to do. 'And Hawthorn themselves as a club … I acknowledge it was my turn today.' A section of Hawks fans also gave Hinkley the same gesture from the stands as he made his way down to the rooms. Hawthorn's victory puts them in fourth place midway through round 19 and well placed to play finals again this season. But fans and broadcasters were talking about Ginnivan's cheeky moment. Fox Footy's X account tweeted: 'The Hawks will be flying home with a win … Jack Ginnivan with a late game message to Ken Hinkley.' Up the Mighty Hok wrote: 'I will admit, he is taking it well! Good on him!' The Hawk Talk Podcast said: 'Fair's fair. And good on Ken for taking Ginni's cheekiness well. The very last laugh went to Jack and he knew it. There was nothing else to do but recognise.' Wesley Edwards said: 'The perfect reaction from both of them! This is what competitive respect should look like.' The Welsh Bull added: 'Ha great sport by both of them, love to see it.' Originally published as Jack Ginnivan has the last laugh in his Ken Hinkley battle
