Matthew Lloyd’s Warning to Collingwood Amid ‘Unlikely’ Revelation About Bobby Hill for Prelim
Collingwood’s preparation for their blockbuster preliminary final has taken an unexpected turn, with Essendon legend Matthew Lloyd issuing a sharp warning to the Magpies after revelations surrounding Bobby Hill’s fitness. The dynamic forward, who has been one of Collingwood’s most influential players in 2025, is reportedly unlikely to feature in the preliminary final due to lingering health concerns.
The news has rattled Collingwood supporters and left the coaching staff weighing up potential forward-line reshuffles just days out from the biggest clash of the season. For Lloyd, the absence of Hill could carry far greater implications than many initially expect.
A Match-Winner Missing at the Wrong Time
Hill has been a revelation since joining the Magpies, cementing himself as one of the most dangerous small forwards in the AFL. His pace, pressure, and ability to conjure goals from nothing have added a new dimension to Collingwood’s attacking arsenal.
But as reports circulated that Hill remains under close medical monitoring, Lloyd said Collingwood would need to prepare for life without one of their biggest game-breakers.
“Bobby Hill is the type of player who can win you a final in five minutes,” Lloyd said during his weekly AFL analysis program. “If he doesn’t play, Collingwood loses that spark, that unpredictability in the forward half. They’ve still got great players, but Hill’s absence makes them a little easier to defend.”
The Ripple Effect
Lloyd emphasized that Hill’s absence won’t just be felt on the scoreboard but in how the Magpies structure up across the ground. Without him, opposition defenders will have greater freedom to focus on Collingwood’s tall forwards.
“What Bobby does is keep defenders accountable,” Lloyd explained. “He doesn’t just apply pressure; he demands their attention. If he’s not there, you can double-team guys like Brody Mihocek or Jamie Elliott more easily. That shifts the whole dynamic.”
Adding to Collingwood’s concern is the fact that the preliminary final opponent—whether it’s Carlton or Sydney—is known for relentless defensive systems. Both teams have the ability to choke ball movement and pounce on turnovers. Without Hill’s injection of speed, Collingwood risks being bogged down in slow, contested football.
A Test of Depth
Still, Lloyd noted that great teams rise when adversity strikes. Collingwood’s depth will be put to the ultimate test, and the coaching staff must look for an “X-factor” replacement. Names such as Jack Ginnivan, Josh Carmichael, and even young gun Harvey Harrison have been floated as possible inclusions to cover Hill’s spot.
“The question is: who steps up? Finals are about moments,” Lloyd said. “It’s not just the stars—it’s the role players who seize their chance. If Bobby can’t play, someone else has to become that spark.”
Caution Against Overreliance
Lloyd also issued a broader warning to Collingwood: don’t put too much focus on Hill’s situation. While his absence is a blow, the Magpies still boast a squad filled with experience, leaders, and proven finals performers.
“They can’t let this become a distraction,” Lloyd stressed. “It’s still about playing their brand—pressure, run, and attacking football. If they focus too much on who’s missing, they’ll lose sight of what makes them such a powerful team.”
The Emotional Factor
Beyond tactics, Hill’s potential absence carries emotional weight. He has become a fan favorite and an inspirational story, overcoming personal challenges and illness earlier in his career to shine on the big stage. His energy, both on-field and off, has been a source of motivation for teammates.
“Sometimes the biggest lift you get is playing for someone who can’t be out there,” Lloyd said. “Collingwood may rally around Bobby and use it as fuel.”
Looking Ahead
With the preliminary final looming, all eyes will remain on Collingwood’s selection table and medical updates. While the revelation about Hill’s unlikeliness to play has caused unease, Lloyd insists it could also galvanize the group.
“The great sides find a way,” he concluded. “If Collingwood is truly the premiership team many believe they are, they’ll overcome this hurdle. But make no mistake—without Bobby Hill, it gets a whole lot harder.”
For now, the Magpie Army waits anxiously, knowing their finals fate may hinge on whether their electrifying small forward makes a miraculous recovery—or whether someone else writes their own September story.
