GWS Giants young gun Bobby Hill has taken a major step in his recovery from testicular cancer, and is closing in on his first match since the diagnosis.
Hill underwent surgery in June and was medically cleared to return to football activities last month. Having gradually increased his training loads, the 22-year-old is now on the verge of earning a recall.
According to AFL.com.au reports, if Hill is able to prove his fitness in the coming week, he will be in line to face the Bulldogs in the Giants’ VFL side next weekend in the final round of the season.
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Hill has not played at the AFL level since the Giants’ loss to the Brisbane Lions in round 11, having played 11 straight matches to start the year.
The talented small forward is out of contract at the end of the season and could be one of a number of Giants stars to leave the club in the summer.
Hill attempted to leave the Giants during last year’s trade period, requesting a move to Essendon late in the two-week window, only to be denied the move despite repeated offers from the Bombers.
After being drafted 24th overall in the 2018 draft, Hill has played 41 games in four seasons for the Giants, kicking 34 goals.
Essendon is likely to be interested in recruiting Hill this summer as well, with a gaping hole in its small forward department. Collingwood has also been mooted as a possible buyer, with Hill’s cousin Leon Davis currently employed by the club in an official role.
Hill is one of a number of AFL stars to have battled testicular cancer in the last 18 months, with Carlton star Sam Docherty and North Melbourne star Ben Cunnington also diagnosed with the illness.
Docherty has made a successful return this season, and is in All-Australian contention after averaging a career-high 28.4 disposals per game in 20 appearances for the Blues.
Cunnington is set to return to the Kangaroos’ AFL line-up in round 22, having missed over 12 months due to two separate bouts of cancer.
Like Hill, Cunnington is a free agent at the end of the season and could continue his career elsewhere.
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