Player Watch Bobby “Norm” Hill

[Fruit]

Bobby is hard to measure. This year he had a minimum of two games where he didn’t have a stat in the first half but bobbed up with something others can’t do in the second half.
He makes defenders stick tight to him which frees up space. He also gets high up the field which leaves a lot of space behind him.

 

[JuniorB]

Averages make a strong point about sustained high performance, but they don't tell the whole story.

Bobby is one of the few players in the AFL who have achieved a BOG in a grand final.

Would anyone argue that his performance that day (or that year) wasn't elite? How did Stengle go in the GF?

The conversation about how often he has been able to deliver that standard is a different one altogether.

Elite or not elite, that's us arguing semantics. His absence in '25 was telling in how important he is to the club.

He's also given plenty of goals to teammates and buggered up some opportunities by being unselfish, when he should have gone for goal.
Bottom line - Bobby makes us better.
Hoping for a big year from him in 2026

 

[Timmy from Thomastown]

Bobby is hard to measure. This year he had a minimum of two games where he didn’t have a stat in the first half but bobbed up with something others can’t do in the second half.
He makes defenders stick tight to him which frees up space. He also gets high up the field which leaves a lot of space behind him.

He’s bloody easy to measure.

Absolute jet in a position on the ground where you’re never going to dominate for 100 minutes.

 

[JuniorB]

I'd like to see Bobby given bursts in the midfield - I reckon he'd kill it.

 

[Gone Critical]

Bobby isn't elite on my call but is certainly capable of elite performances and on the big stage. His career follows a similar trajectory that many players who end up elite have followed. Take out the testicular cancer and personal issues of 25 and he might already be there.

Betts and Cameron are good comparisons but I reckon [PLAYERCARD]Shai Bolton[/PLAYERCARD] is the best comparison as to what Bobby could be. Mix him into the midfield could be really that point of difference.

Suffice to say he and Jordy more than any player on the list have the capacity to change things up for the team in 26. I think Bobby has a 50 goal season in him during his career.

 

[Gone Critical]

Using goals per season as a comparison and Bobby isn't out of place. Betts, Cameron, Bolton and Bobby showed steady improvement in consistency over 1st 6 or so seasons but all ,from day one, showed elite capabilities

Bobby and Betts were the 1st to have 30+ goal seasons, season 5, while Cameron and Bolton did that season 6. These type.of small forwards are good early but build and build. Reckon Bobby at mid career still has plenty of unrealised performance

 

[jathanas]

Using goals per season as a comparison and Bobby isn't out of place. Betts, Cameron, Bolton and Bobby showed steady improvement in consistency over 1st 6 or so seasons but all ,from day one, showed elite capabilities

Bobby and Betts were the 1st to have 30+ goal seasons, season 5, while Cameron and Bolton did that season 6. These type.of small forwards are good early but build and build. Reckon Bobby at mid career still has plenty of unrealised performance

Agreed, his average will change over the course of his career, likely for the better.

Nice to have you back, GC. I'm sure your family has many very nice people, but on this board, you're the reminder.

 

[Jelly Bean]

I think Bobby and his absence contributed a bit to our form drop off and subsequent exit from season '25, which is disappointing. I hope he comes back firing and is intent on rectifying.

 

[JLC]

Even if Bobby replaced Beau (shifts into midfield) as that half forward pressure style player them that's a win. I miss the Bobby that used to hand out goals for others like lollles at trick or treating. Something similar to that and I will be pleased.

 

[Jen2310]

 

[Pragmatic Shill]

Looking forward to seeing the compassionate and empathetic comments from the usual suspects here.

 

[Do_Beta_Rapport]

Looking forward to seeing the compassionate and empathetic comments from the usual suspects here.

What are your actual thoughts on the matter?

Hope he’s okay.

I also wonder why a move wasn’t made in the offseason for him to move to WA near immediate family.

 

[Mick F]

After last year, no great surprise. We wish his family well.

 

[Peters_Nuts]

How I read this is that he’s finalising the situation with his ex partner and probably wants to spend extra time with his kids. Would be tough for him so I wish him all the best.

 

[manicpie]

Looking forward to seeing the compassionate and empathetic comments from the usual suspects here.

Bobby will be back better than ever.

 

[Pragmatic Shill]

What are your actual thoughts on the matter?

Hope he’s okay.

I also wonder why a move wasn’t made in the offseason for him to move to WA near immediate family.

I'm disappointed and slightly frustrated, but appreciate that it's a very complex situation given he's still so young and has young kids. It can't be easy for him.

 

[TradeDraft]

Not Good

Will doubt he be at Pies past 2026

 

[windchimes]

 

[Chrispiesssss]

 

[Dead Eye Didak]

I think the comments Fagan made about Neale heading to WA at the end of this season, if he wanted to, the Lions would be happy to help facilitate that, should apply to Bobby, if we get another interrupted season from him....
As soon as his ex made the announcement in December she was expecting again, l thought "here we go again"....

 

[TradeDraft]

Seeing this could be easily his last season at the Club

Might been better to Trade him to a WA Side to be closer to his Kids

 

[BillyElliott]

 

[JLC]

I was telling the Pies worker at my local Woolies (that Bobby and his ex used to shop at, as does Brad Hill and Pickett) that I hope Harrison has a big season as I'm not relying on Bobby.

Anything Bobby produces next season is a bonus.

 

[JLC]

Seeing this could be easily his last season at the Club

Might been better to Trade him to a WA Side to be closer to his Kids

I reckon the plan was one more season, where he plays and boosts up his value. Last season his stocks would have been low.

 

[Dead Eye Didak]

Not Good

Will doubt he be at Pies past 2026

I would have taken the approach Brisbane are prepared to have with Neale, and that would have been facilitate a trade back to WA to be closer with his kids in the last trade period....