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Cornes: Hard to think of a “bigger waste of talent” than Hill
Josh Nicholas • July 29th, 2026 6:00 pm
Kane Cornes says it’s “hard to think of a bigger waste of talent” regarding Bobby Hill.
Hill was a key contributor in Collingwood’s 2023 premiership, kicking 33 goals for the season including four on Grand Final day when named Norm Smith Medallist.
The 26-year-old has been dealing with personal issues which have kept him out of the AFL side since Round 21 last season. He has played at VFL level on three occasions this year, last appearing in May.
The situation surrounding Hill has ebbed and flowed, with the former Giant making numerous returns to training before taking more time away from the club.
Throughout the process, the Magpies have been devoted to supporting Hill with his personal struggles while remaining open to the possibility of a full-time return.
However, the financial strain was testing Collingwood’s patience and impeding the club’s off-season flexibility.
Cornes believes the Pies have done enough in standing by the troubled talent and paying his salary despite getting little in return.
“I think they have been very generous paying him to this point,” Cornes said on SEN’s Locked In.
“They are lucky they are able to escape the next three years with that being outside their salary cap considering the long-term deal is your risk.
“I feel like they have got out of it about as best they could.”
He added: “Hard to think of a bigger waste of talent.
“There’s a couple but he’s in the top 10 I would have thought.”
Former Crows forward Josh Jenkins agrees that it as been a significant fall from grace.
“He is and it’s a damn shame,” said Jenkins.
“From the club’s perspective, in the moment he probably seemed very much worthy of the contract they gave him.
“He goes from a Norm Smith Medal to 24-36 months later not even turning up to work.”
Before Cornes added: “Be very careful who you give your long term deals to, I think clubs are starting to learn that to.”
The lack of games played by Hill has caused a void in Collingwood’s salary cap.
Caroline Wilson reported on Channel 7’s Agenda Setters on Tuesday night that the Pies have come to terms with Hill who is reportedly on $750,000 per year.
CEO Craig Kelly and the club have been happy to support Hill’s welfare, however, it has got to a point where they are unwilling to pay the small forward beyond this season.
