๐จ BREAKING NEWS: Collingwood Power Forward Bobby Hill Stuns AFL World โ Donates Entire $109 Million Signing Bonus to Cancer Research, Indigenous Youth, and Mental Health Support
Melbourne, VIC โ In one of the most moving moments in recent Australian Football League (AFL) history, Bobby Hill, star power forward of the Collingwood Football Club, has made headlines around the world โ not for a spectacular goal or grand final moment, but for a deeply personal and generous act thatโs captured the hearts of millions.
Upon signing his latest multi-year contract extension โ reportedly worth $109 million AUD, including one of the biggest signing bonuses in AFL history โ Hill has announced that he will donate the entire signing bonus to charitable causes across Australia.
โFootball has given me everything,โ Hill said during a heartfelt press conference. โBut now itโs time to give back โ especially to those fighting battles far tougher than anything on the field.โ
A Story of Survival, Purpose, and Giving Back
Bobby Hillโs decision hits close to home. In 2022, Hill was diagnosed with testicular cancer, a battle he faced with courage, resilience, and the support of the entire AFL community. Now cancer-free, Hill is using his platform to fight for others still in the struggle.
His $109 million donation will go toward causes deeply personal to him:
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$45 million to expand cancer research and treatment programs, particularly for testicular cancer and menโs health, through partnerships with the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and other national hospitals.
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$25 million to fund mental health services for athletes, young men, and Indigenous Australians โ including free therapy access, helplines, and culturally sensitive wellness programs.
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$20 million toward scholarships, mentoring, and athletic development for Indigenous youth, especially in remote communities.
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$10 million to build and refurbish community sports facilities in rural and underserved areas of Australia.
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$9 million to support the families of AFL players and staff undergoing critical illness or financial hardship.
โWhen I was at my lowest, it was community and care that lifted me up,โ Hill said. โNow, I want to be that support for someone else โ or thousands.โ
AFL and Collingwood Respond: โAn Act of Immense Characterโ
The Collingwood Football Club released a statement praising Hillโs generosity, calling it โa defining moment in the proud history of this club.โ
โBobby Hill is the embodiment of strength, humility, and leadership,โ said club president Jeff Browne. โWe are honoured to call him a Magpie โ and now the entire country knows what a remarkable person he truly is.โ
Coach Craig McRae also shared his admiration:
โBobby has always been a fighter. This just shows his heart is as big as his talent.โ
Fans and AFL Legends Show Their Support
As news broke, reactions from fans and AFL greats poured in across social media:
โBobby Hill just became a hero in more ways than one. What a man.โ
โ Nathan Buckley, former Collingwood coach
โGoosebumps. Bobby Hill is changing lives. #TrueLeaderโ
โ @AFLonSeven
โIโve cried over goals, but this? This hits different. Thank you, Bobby.โ
โ @PiesFaithful
The hashtags #BobbyGivesBack, #HeartOfTheMagpies, and #MoreThanFootball began trending just minutes after the announcement.
A Symbol of Hope and Humanity
Hillโs story โ from cancer survivor to premiership player to philanthropist โ now stands as a beacon of hope not just in AFL circles, but throughout Australia.
โThis is bigger than football,โ Hill said, holding back emotion. โThis is about life. About purpose. About not waiting for tomorrow to do the right thing today.โ
Final Thoughts: From Star Athlete to National Inspiration
At just 25 years old, Bobby Hill has already reached the pinnacle of his sport โ but today, he reached something far greater: the hearts of a nation.
In donating his entire $109 million signing bonus, heโs proven that greatness is not just defined by what you achieve, but by what you choose to give.
On the field, heโs a game-changer. Off the field, heโs a life-changer. Bobby Hill โ a true champion in every sense of the word.
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