We Want Him Back: Collingwood Fans in Tears as Bobby Hill Suspended Indefinitely
Fans of Collingwood Magpies are reeling after news broke that star forward Bobby Hill has been suspended indefinitely by the club, a decision that comes amid growing concern and emotional outpouring from supporters who fear the loss of one of their brightest lights.
Hill — the Norm Smith Medallist for the Magpies’ 2023 premiership run — has publicly battled personal challenges through the season. Earlier absences were attributed to “personal reasons” and illness, as the club attempted to support him while balancing team selection pressures. The sudden announcement of an indefinite suspension, however, has left the Magpie Army stunned and upset.
For many supporters the image of Hill bursting past defenders, conjuring game‑winning goals and high‑flying marks, is still vivid. In contrast, the current situation feels like a painful disconnect. “We want him back,” read one message on a fan forum — a refrain repeated across social media platforms. The emotional reaction speaks to how deeply Hill is embedded in Collingwood culture and hopes for future success.
From the club’s perspective the decision is reportedly rooted in a combination of his inconsistent availability, recent withdrawal under “exceptional circumstances,” and the imperative of maintaining performance standards Head coach Craig McRae has previously spoken of prioritising “love and care” over performance, noting that Hill’s wellbeing was the key concern — but added that time is running out to recover form and fitness.
The suspension now raises immediate questions about Collingwood’s ambitions. Hill’s pace, goal sense and forward pressure have been central to the club’s attack; his absence leaves a void at a critical time of the season. For fans — who witnessed his 2023 heroics and believed in his rising trajectory — the blow is both sporting and emotional.
Moreover, there is frustration at the lack of clarity around the suspension’s detail. The term “indefinite” offers no timeline and fuels anxiety among supporters wondering if they will ever see him don the black and white again. Rumours swirl about family pressures, mental‑health issues, and the toll of professional expectation; however, the club has kept its public statements tight to protect privacy.
As Magpie faithful reflect on what might have been, many are holding onto hope. The refrain “We want him back” is as much about belief in the player as it is about a plea for his return to full wellness. Should Hill find his way through this challenging chapter, the club and fans will be ready — but until then, Collingwood face the remainder of the season without one of their most electric weapons.
In the stands, tears are shed not just for the lost goals or the missing plays, but for what the moment represents: the fragility of talent, the pressure of expectation, and the truth that greatness sometimes needs time off the field, as much as on it.