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Former Collingwood star Bobby Hill says seeing Shai Bolton join him as a Norm Smith Medallist has “put a bit of fire in the belly” for a return to football, even though the interest from clubs has been little.

The premiership winner had his contract with the Pies terminated with a modest payout after he was unable to commit to the professionalism required at Collingwood.

That deal was worth $750,000 a season to 2030 but the annulled contract was done in a manner which allowed him to play with another side into the future.

But as Code Sports revealed last week, the interest from other clubs in giving him a lifeline has been modest at best after the professionalism issues he had at Collingwood.

Despite this, Hill said he was desperate to get another chance at the AFL.

“That’s all I grew up knowing, just footy, footy, footy and that was my plan A, not having a plan B and C,” he told Nine.

“I think I just lost the love of the game and now I’m back, full on and want to get back into it. I do miss it, so I can’t wait.

“Very fortunate to win a grand final and top it off with a Norm Smith, and I just want to move forward now.”

Hill’s time at Collingwood was capped by him winning the medal for best on ground in the Pies’ 2023 premiership.

The 26-year-old said seeing fellow Western Australian Bolton being named the Norm Smith Medal, despite being part of a losing side for Fremantle, did give him extra motivation to return to footy.

“Congratulations to Shai (Bolton) for winning one (Norm Smith), welcome to the club. It put a bit of fire in the belly,” he said.

“Hopefully if clubs out there want me and hopefully I can get back on there, I’m pretty confident I can show what I can do, if not even better and win games for teams.”

But it is set to come down to that clubs would want concrete assurances about his behaviour and would also want to know he would not be a distraction to their list.

Hill had been linked to a move back to Western Australia in previous seasons before opting to remain at Collingwood.

However, now he's uncontracted, Hill says he would happily move to any club that would be open to giving him a chance to revive his career.

https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/bobby-hill-says-shai-boltons-norm-smith-medal-has-put-the-fire-in-the-belly-for-an-afl-return/news-story/f3c86f8e2373e4d32f2b512448495f66

1. Most goal assists in a season

Bolton had three goal assists on Friday, taking him to 28 for the season, the most ever by a Docker in a single season, with one game still to play.

The previous record was held by Hayden Young, who had 27 in 2024. Matthew Pavlich sits third with 25 in 2007.

2. Most inside 50s in a game

Bolton also recorded an incredible 15 inside 50s, smashing the previous Fremantle record of 12.

That mark had been reached five times:

Des Headland, 2007, Brad Bootsma, 2001, Caleb Serong, twice in 2023, Shai Bolton, 2026 vs St Kilda.

Now Bolton stands alone with 15.

What an incredible recruit he’s been.