Collingwood Head coach Craig McRae Shock the AFL world with a Stunning Report Concerning Forward Bobby Hill why…see more

Collingwood Head Coach Craig McRae Shocks AFL World With Stunning Report Concerning Forward Bobby Hill

Melbourne, VIC – May 5, 2025 — In a development that has left fans and pundits across the AFL landscape stunned, Collingwood head coach Craig McRae has delivered a surprising and deeply revealing report concerning the future of explosive forward Bobby Hill. The revelation, made public following the Magpies’ recent closed-door training session, has already ignited widespread speculation and discussion.

The 2023 Norm Smith Medallist and one of the AFL’s most dynamic small forwards, Hill has been a critical component in Collingwood’s forward structure. Known for his blistering pace, elite pressure acts, and goal sense, Hill’s impact on the game has been significant since his arrival from Greater Western Sydney (GWS) in 2022. However, in a twist few saw coming, McRae hinted at a possible role change for Hill, citing both tactical and developmental reasons.

McRae’s Stunning Revelation
During his post-training media address, McRae addressed ongoing concerns about Collingwood’s forward line balance and defensive transition issues. But it was his comments about Hill that sent shockwaves through the AFL world.

“We’ve been analyzing our structure and looking at ways to get the best out of our talent,” McRae began. “Bobby has been incredible for us as a forward, but we also see potential in giving him opportunities further up the ground. There’s a very real possibility we start experimenting with him in a midfield rotation role.”

This revelation caught many off-guard. Hill, whose strength lies in forward 50 pressure and opportunistic scoring, has never been used in a consistent midfield role in his AFL career. McRae elaborated on the thinking behind the move.

“He’s got speed, evasiveness, and footy IQ that can translate to midfield bursts. Our high-performance team believes he’s physically ready to take on a more versatile role, and this could add another layer to both his game and our overall team dynamics,” McRae added.

Strategic Shift or Smoke Screen?
Speculation is now rife within AFL circles about whether McRae’s comments signal a strategic shift, or if it’s part of Collingwood’s broader tactical misdirection ahead of a key stretch of the season. With the Magpies currently sitting mid-table and struggling to recapture their dominant 2023 form, shaking up player roles might be exactly what’s needed to spark a turnaround.

AFL analyst David King weighed in on SEN Radio shortly after McRae’s announcement.

“If you’re telling me Bobby Hill might be getting midfield time, that’s exciting. But it also speaks to the fact that Collingwood is searching for answers. They’ve been found out a bit this year in contested ball and transition defense. Adding a dynamic runner like Hill could be a game-changer—or a huge risk,” King said.

Fan Reaction and Social Media Buzz
As expected, the response from the Collingwood faithful was swift and passionate. Social media lit up within minutes of McRae’s comments. Some fans welcomed the change, believing it could unlock another dimension of Hill’s already impressive game.

“Bobby in the midfield? Love it. Imagine him burning opponents out of stoppage. Yes please,” one fan posted on X (formerly Twitter).

Others, however, were skeptical.

“Leave Bobby where he belongs—in the forward line kicking goals and applying pressure. He’s elite at that. Why fix what isn’t broken?” another fan questioned.

Bobby Hill Responds
Later in the day, Hill was made available for a short media appearance, and he addressed the speculation with his trademark humility and enthusiasm.

“I’m just here to do what the team needs,” Hill said. “If that’s forward, awesome. If the coaches want to throw me into the midfield, I’m ready to give it a crack. I’ve worked really hard on my endurance and contested work in the off-season, so we’ll see how it goes.”

Hill also mentioned he’s been shadowing midfield leaders like Jordan De Goey and Scott Pendlebury during drills and reviews, further lending weight to McRae’s comments.

What It Means for Collingwood
Collingwood’s forward setup has come under scrutiny in recent weeks, with the team struggling to generate consistent inside-50 efficiency. A potential role shift for Hill could also open the door for emerging talents like Harvey Harrison or Reef McInnes to get more forward minutes.

McRae emphasized that any changes will be trialed cautiously and will be based on performance and matchup strategies.

“This is not a permanent shift—at least not yet,” McRae clarified. “We’re just open to exploring different looks and maximizing the talent we have.”

Looking Ahead
As the AFL season approaches its midpoint, all eyes will be on how Collingwood adapts to internal changes and whether Hill’s potential shift becomes a permanent feature. For now, McRae’s bold vision has sparked intrigue, debate, and excitement among fans and critics alike.

Whether it turns into a masterstroke or a misstep remains to be seen—but one thing is clear: Craig McRae isn’t afraid to make bold calls to keep the Magpies in contention.