Bobby Hill (Australian footballer) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bobby Hill |
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Hill in May 2025
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| Personal information | |||
| Full name | Ian Hill | ||
| Date of birth | 9 February 2000 | ||
| Place of birth | Northam, Western Australia | ||
| Original team | Perth (WAFL) | ||
| Draft | No. 24, 2018 AFL draft | ||
| Debut | 14 July 2019, Greater Western Sydney v. Richmond, at MCG |
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| Position(s) | Forward | ||
| Club information | |||
| Current club | Collingwood | ||
| Number | 23 | ||
| Career highlights | |||
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Ian "Bobby" Hill (born 9 February 2000) is a talented Australian rules footballer. He plays as a forward for the Collingwood Football Club in the Australian Football League (AFL). Bobby started his AFL journey with Greater Western Sydney in 2019. He is well-known for winning the Norm Smith Medal in the 2023 AFL Grand Final. This award goes to the best player in the Grand Final game.
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Bobby Hill's Early Life
Bobby Hill is an Indigenous man. His family comes from the Whadjuk-Ballardong Noongar people. Even though his first name is Ian, he prefers to be called Bobby. He was born in Northam, Western Australia.
Bobby went to Northam Senior High School. Later, he finished high school in Perth at Wesley College. He was part of their Indigenous Scholarship Program. Bobby first got noticed when he was chosen for the Western Australia under 16s team.
Bobby Hill's Family Connections
Bobby has many family members who also play Australian rules football. His cousins include Bradley Hill and Stephen Hill. Another cousin, Gerald Ugle, was one of the first players for GWS. Other cousins are Josh Hill, who played for Western Bulldogs and West Coast, and Leon Davis, who played for Collingwood.
Bobby Hill's AFL Career
Bobby Hill was chosen by Greater Western Sydney (GWS) in the 2018 national draft. He was pick number 24. He played his first senior game against Richmond in July 2019.
Playing Style and Achievements at GWS
Bobby played 41 games for GWS. He helped them reach a winning preliminary final in 2019. He is known for his amazing speed and quick hands. He can also leap high in the air to catch the football. In 2020, Bobby designed GWS's Indigenous jumper. The team wears this special jumper as an alternative uniform.
Moving to Collingwood
In 2021, Bobby wanted to move to a club in Victoria. He asked to be traded to Essendon, but a deal could not be made. The next year, he again asked to move to Victoria. This time, he wanted to join Collingwood. On October 3, 2022, he was traded to Collingwood. GWS traded Bobby and their pick 40 to Collingwood. In return, Collingwood gave GWS pick 43 and a future second-round pick.
Success at Collingwood
Bobby Hill played a very important part in Collingwood's 2023 premiership season. He had an amazing performance in the Grand Final. Collingwood played against Brisbane. Bobby had 18 disposals and kicked 4 goals. He won all 15 votes for the Norm Smith Medal. Collingwood won the game by just four points.
In 2024, Bobby won the Mark of the Year award. He won it for an incredible mark he took in a game against North Melbourne.
Health Journey
In May 2022, Bobby Hill faced a serious health issue. He had surgery and spent the rest of that year recovering. He returned to play in 2023.
