A Norm Smith Medallist from Collingwood is driving Collingwood to offer him a substantial pay increase.
Meanwhile, a Bulldogs star is focusing solely on the current season before discussing his contract. After scoring five goals and potentially securing the Mark of the Year, Collingwood’s Bobby Hill is on track for a lucrative contract extension when his current one expires at the end of next year.
Speaking on Fox Footy’s Midweek Tackle, journalists Jay Clark, Jon Ralph, and Scotty Gullan discussed Hill’s future.
Clark clarified the confusion over Hill’s contract length, revealing it to be four years with Collingwood. Despite this, Hill is underpaid at $450,000 per year, making him one of the league’s most underpaid stars. Clark argued that Hill, being one of the top small forwards, deserves more, especially compared to players like Tyson Stengle, who earns $800,000.
Hill, averaging 1.43 goals and over 10 disposals per game this year, has been a standout under coach Craig McRae. Gullan emphasized that Collingwood needs to value him more, highlighting his performance in their premiership win and multiple spectacular marks.
Ralph added context, noting that contract talks might be delayed as Hill transitions between managers and was unsettled by rumors of a move to Perth. Ralph suggested extending Hill’s contract but not at any cost due to his inconsistency.
This discussion followed reports that Hill might consider a move back to Western Australia, which has generated significant interest.
Collingwood has a bye this weekend before their next match against Gold Coast in Round 16.
Among the soon-to-be-out-of-contract Bulldogs, captain Marcus Bontempelli is not keen on discussing his future until after the season. The 29-year-old, whose contract ends in 2025, remains focused on winning another premiership for the club he has served for nearly 11 years.
Scotty Gullan noted that Bontempelli is avoiding contract talks mid-season, though his manager has been approached after Bontempelli’s recent strong performance. Co-panellist Jay Clark pointed out that Bontempelli remains a million-dollar-a-year player and is committed to leading the club to success.