Respected footy journalist Peter Vlahos has added new info to his report that Collingwood’s Bobby Hill could be open to a move to a Perth AFL club.
The small forward hails from Northam and went to school in Perth, and Vlahos originally reported on Tuesday that he was hearing that Hill could be open to a move back closer to family.
Following that report, the SEN host made calls to several connected people in footy circles, while Hill’s manager Andrew McDougall refused to comment.
Vlahos has since been told via a trusted source that Collingwood contacted Hill on Wednesday. The source says that the Magpies want to negotiate in hopes of signing him beyond his current deal which expires at the end of 2025, earlier than they otherwise would have.
“I’ve had dialogue with a couple of people that are connected to Bobby Hill today,” Vlahos said on SEN Sportsday WA.
“I spoke to Andrew McDougall today and he didn’t want to say too much. We left it at that.
“But then I got a call in about half an hour ago from a gentleman who is based in Melbourne and reportedly is doing a bit of work for Bobby Hill.
“He said to me about what came out last night, and he went as far as suggesting that the Collingwood Football Club contacted Bobby Hill today on the backend of what was thrown out last night to see if he’s happy and if there was any truth to the speculation.
“Since then, I believe that Collingwood are going to sit down with him earlier than what was expected to maybe look at continuing another contract for an extra couple of years at the Magpies.
“Bobby Hill’s only 24 years of age. It’s not as if he’s about to sign his final contract like Elliot Yeo, but we’ll just see how it plays out.
“An extra couple of years at the Magpies would take him to around about 26, and then he might come back to Perth or if things don’t go according to plan … he may entertain the option in Western Australia.”
Hill has developed into a star for the Magpies since joining them in the 2022 off-season, winning the Norm Smith Medal in last year’s Grand Final. He’s also kicked 53 goals from 38 games in the black and white.
Hill and the Magpies are enjoying a bye during Round 15 with the side set to return during Round 16 on the Gold Coast against the Suns.