Collingwood coach Craig McRae hasn't ruled out a fairytale grand final return for Bobby Hill after opting against the small forward's recall for Saturday's preliminary final against Brisbane.

Speaking to reporters on Thursday, McRae confirmed Hill was told ahead of training he wouldn't feature against the Lions, and that "a lot of little things" had influenced the decision.

"The conversation was hard for him to hear, but it's the reality of where we're at right now with his preparation," McRae said.

"Credit to him. He's trained really, really well, and it shows how far he's come in the last period."

Selection integrity, including form, were factors in the decision, the coach added.

The work put in by Hill, and some input from the Pies' leadership group, were also part of conversations.

"There's a lot of layers to it," McRae said.

Hill has missed the bulk of the later part of the season due to personal circumstances.

He's featured just once at AFL level since Round 15, coming on as the sub against the Lions - Collingwood's preliminary final opponents and the side Hill won the Norm Smith medal against in the final match of the 2023 season.

Should Collingwood make it to their second grand final in three years, Hill could still slot into the 22.

"He's working hard to get back. This is not permanent, as I said to him. It's not permanent, but this week he's not available," McRae said, later adding he'd "like to think" a re-selection is on the cards for the goal sneak.

"I don't want to take away hope for the young lad, and he's progressing towards that," he said.

"I mentioned that to him. Please, keep training well, keep turning up. Keep being here, being present. Keep being here every day…there might be a world where that could be true."

Brisbane lodged a 27-point win over Collingwood at the MCG when the two sides last met in early August.

McRae said looking back on vision, he's excited by the growth he's seen amongst the side during that period.

It came during the Magpies' end of season slump, who won two of seven to end the home and away season.

A 10 goal loss to Hawthorn, a potential grand final opponent, sits within those alongside getting outdone by Brisbane.

In last year's preliminary final, Callum Ah Chee and Charlie Cameron, who's had a thin run of form across 2025, starred late to get their team over the line against the Cats, and lift the premiership cup the following week in a one-way contest against Sydney.