Bobby Hill will forever be welcome at Collingwood and priorities remain around his wellbeing, the Magpies coach says, as an exit from the club and the termination of a long-term contract appears a possibility.

Earlier this week, reports emerged Hill could leave Collingwood after not playing AFL in close to 12 months with extended periods of time away from the club for personal reasons.

The 26-year-old is reportedly negotiating an exit from the club. His current deal, signed last year, signed him on until the end of 2030.

Pies coach Craig McRae told reporters on Tuesday any discussion about Hill's future was out of his hands and to be left with others, but "we won't waver in our love and support for this young man".

"He's a Premiership player and Norm Smith medallist, and he'll forever be welcome in our four walls - whatever that looks like and means for the future," an "emotional" McRae said.

"There's the playing part; The high performance of what he's capable of doing for our team and for our supporter base. And then there's the personal part: He's a father.... A young man with three kids. You want the best for all our players."

McRae said it had been some time since he and Hill had spoken personally, and the club hadn't seen him in the building for a period.

Asked if the door was open for Hill to return, McRae said yes, but conceded there are more elements to the situation.

Hill arrived at Collingwood from GWS ahead of the 2023 season.

He was named Norm Smith Medallist after a four goal performance in Collingwood's grand final success in his first year, and was a consistent performer through their 2024 campaign.

After featuring throughout the first half of 2025, he last played at the top level in round 21 of last year against Brisbane.

Hill returned to play three VFL games in 2026, and while consistently asked about his availability, McRae has reiterated his player's wellbeing came before football.