McRae delivers Hill and Mihocek verdicts as Howe pushes for return

Collingwood coach Craig McRae has ruled Bobby Hill out of Saturday’s Preliminary Final against Brisbane at the MCG.

Hill hasn’t played a full game since Round 15 against St Kilda, missing much of Collingwood’s back end of the season, dealing with personal issues.

Even though the Norm Smith Medallist has been pushing for a return to play in recent weeks, including a four-goal cameo in a VFL scratch-match against Geelong in the last fortnight, it hasn’t been enough to force his selection.

While Hill won’t return, intercept defender Jeremy Howe has done everything he can to put his name into selection discussions after training fully on Thursday.

The veteran has been targeting a Prelim Final return since injuring his adductor in Round 24 against Melbourne.

McRae also confirmed that key forward Brody Mihocek has been cleared to play after battling a toe injury and soreness in recent weeks.