Small forward Bobby Hill has taken a step away from the Collingwood Football Club as he continues to manage personal matters.

The decision was made in consultation with both the club and his management team.

Hill had been granted a leave of absence, Collingwood confirmed on Friday, as the premiership forward works through challenges away from the game.

"We care for Bobby and his health and wellbeing remain the priority as he continues to work through his personal situation," Magpies' Executive General Manager of Football Charlie Gardiner said.

"While on leave from the AFL program, we will continue to support Bobby so that he can be in the best possible position to return to the club in a full-time capacity when appropriate."

The Whadjuk-Ballardong Noongar man endured a disrupted 2025 campaign, spending extended periods away from the club and featuring sparingly in the second half of the season.

After Round 15, Hill managed just one AFL appearance — coming on as the substitute against Brisbane Lions in Round 22 — alongside a single VFL outing on restricted minutes.

The lack of continuity led to uncertainty around Hill's availability late in the season, with the 25-year-old unable to build the training base or match fitness required to push for finals selection.

Despite interest from rival clubs, Hill has remained committed to Collingwood, signing a long-term contract extension early last year.

Since being drafted at the end of 2018 Hill has built an impressive AFL résumé, playing 102 games for both Greater Western Sydney and Collingwood.

Hill's career-defining moment came on the game's biggest stage in 2023 when he delivered a match-winning performance in the Grand Final.

He finishing with four goals from 18 disposals and eight marks to claim the Norm Smith Medal in the Magpies' premiership triumph over Brisbane.

Collingwood's 2025 campaign is set to begin on Sunday, March 8, with a blockbuster season-opening clash against St Kilda Football Club at the MCG.