Collingwood star Bobby Hill's progression towards a long-awaited AFL return has stalled, with the Norm Smith medallist unlikely to feature at any level this weekend.
Hill hasn't played senior football this year after taking personal leave during the off-season. The small forward played a full VFL game on the weekend, managing only five disposals and failing to kick a goal. That performance came a week after he booted three goals against Box Hill in his first competitive match of the year.
Despite that promising outing, Hill won't be considered for senior selection this week, with coach Craig McRae revealing his GPS numbers are not yet at the required standard.
"Yeah, he's getting there. He's not quite there," McRae said on Wednesday. "Personally, watching Bobby and looking at his GPS, there's still a level that he's not quite meeting. But he's played one full game (in the VFL), so we'll give him a bit of time and space. Obviously not being able to train with the family stuff is important to prepare to play. We like setting people up to be successful with the way they play. That might not be this week."
McRae also indicated Hill might not play at any level this weekend because his partner is due to give birth. "We wish them well and we'll see how that all goes in the next couple of days," he added.
Darcy Cameron ruled out, Grundy reunion looms
Meanwhile, Collingwood will face Sydney and in-form ruckman Brodie Grundy without reigning best-and-fairest winner Darcy Cameron. The Magpies have already planned to rest veteran Scott Pendlebury so he can play his record-breaking match at the MCG next weekend, and they will travel to the SCG without Cameron.
McRae ruled his No.1 ruckman out after the Magpies' main training session on Wednesday. The 30-year-old has been managing an ankle injury, which worsened in last Saturday night's loss to Geelong. "He's got a bit going on with his body, so we're going to rule him out and not travel," McRae said. "His partner is due next week as well. There's a bit going on around the house for him. His body's not quite ready to perform this week, so we're going to hold him back."
Ruck duties will fall to 22-year-old Oscar Steene, who has impressed in seven games this season in centre bounces. However, going up against Swans giant Grundy, who could be tracking for a third All-Australian jacket, will comfortably be his biggest challenge. "He's having a super season," McRae said of Grundy. "A great player, clearly performing at a high level, that's exactly what the team's doing as well. They're performing at a high standard."
Young forward Charlie West, who played one AFL game last season, is likely to earn a recall after firing with four goals in the VFL last weekend. Pendlebury trained fully on Wednesday, despite not travelling to Sydney. "I was worried about his body, and how his body's preparing and recovering, but it will be an exciting week next week," McRae said.
Captain Darcy Moore, Pat Lipinski, Harry Perryman and Tim Membrey also remain sidelined for the 10th-placed Magpies.
