Collingwood coach Craig McRae says a “battling” Bobby Hill remains a long way from playing despite taking part in training on Thursday.
Hill has been in and out of the Magpies’ program for nearly a year, playing only a handful of VFL games since Round 21 last season.
The Norm Smith Medallist most recently took another portion of leave to be alongside his partner during her childbirth.
Hill made yet another return to training ahead of Collingwood’s clash with Port Adelaide on Saturday night.
But McRae says Hill, who is “battling, truthfully battling”, will not play any form of footy this weekend.
“I had a really good chat to Bobby this morning and over the last period,” he said.
“He’s got a bit going on, Bobby, let’s be really clear, he’s got a lot going on and he’s a work in progress.
“But it’s nice to have him here… I think he’s a long way away from playing footy at the moment, we’re conscious of that.
“Again, when he’s in our building at least we get some opportunities to make him feel loved and appreciated.”
The Magpies have been stoic in their support for Hill, even when his recall was the topic of preliminary final week last season.
McRae says the love for Hill will “never waver” and wants to be a safe space for all of his players.
“I’m chatting to him yesterday, we have really deep conversations about this stuff,” he said.
“Regardless of whatever happens in life, there’s a level of love and care. These young men, in my eyes, are my sons and I want them to feel like that.
“I want to be a father figure for him, to some degree, and set him up to be a good husband, dad and other parts.