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"Just sadness": Mitchell reflects on likely Hill exit
Nicholas Quinlan • July 21st, 2026 7:56 pm
Former Magpies teammate Tom Mitchell has spoken on Bobby Hill’s likely exit from Collingwood.
The 2023 Norm Smith Medallist’s playing future has been a point of speculation, having not played an AFL game since Round 21, 2025, whilst dealing with personal issues.
Whilst the small forward has managed to play three VFL games, discussions taking place between Hill’s management and Collingwood about parting ways despite being contracted through to 2030.
Reflecting on his likely departure, the 2018 Brownlow Medallist expressed his sadness over the situation.
“It's just sadness, isn't it?” Mitchell said on SEN’s Locked In with Kane Cornes.
“He's clearly dealing with some things which are much bigger than football.
“We all saw his ability and how electric he was to watch and the joy he brought his teammates, his fans, just an incredible talent.
“I haven't seen a player being able to (go from) zero metres to top speed and how quickly he would do it. He was just so fast.
“At his best with his personality, he was always very jovial. Loved having a joke around the club and now it's just really sad to see that he's no longer playing for Collingwood.
“I'm not sure if he'll play somewhere else, but I think bigger than footy is the family aspect and his mental state, so hopefully he's alright.”
Collingwood’s next match is on Thursday against the Crows at Adelaide Oval.
The match begins at 7:30pm AEST.
