BREAKING NEWS: Collingwood Stars Bobby Hill and Nick Daicos Shock the AFL With Acts of Loyalty and Selflessness That Transcend the Game
Melbourne, VIC – September 9, 2025
In what can only be described as an extraordinary day in the history of the Australian Football League (AFL), two of Collingwood Football Club’s brightest stars — Bobby Hill and Nick Daicos — have made headlines across the country for reasons that stretch far beyond goals, tackles, or premierships.
Within hours of each other, both men made decisions that reflect not only their immense character but also a growing legacy at a club now defined as much by heart as it is by talent.
Bobby Hill Donates Entire $63.7M Signing Bonus in Unprecedented Act of Compassion
Fresh off a contract extension that secured his future at Collingwood until 2032, power forward Bobby Hill stunned fans, teammates, and the entire AFL community when he announced that he would donate 100% of his $63.7 million signing bonus to causes he says “matter more than football.”
At a press conference held at the Holden Centre, Hill delivered the emotional announcement:
“I’ve been blessed with this opportunity, but I know what it feels like to struggle. There are kids out there who don’t have homes, families who can’t afford food, and young people who never get to dream like I did. That money can change lives — not just mine.”
Hill, a proud Indigenous Australian and cancer survivor, specified that the donation would be directed to:
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Indigenous Youth Development Programs across rural Australia.
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Leukemia & Cancer Research in honour of his own battle and recovery.
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Homelessness Prevention Initiatives in Victoria and Western Australia.
The impact is expected to touch tens of thousands of lives across the country.
AFL and Club Reactions
AFL CEO Andrew Dillon released a statement, calling Hill’s gesture “the single most powerful act of athlete-led giving in the league’s history.”
“This goes far beyond football. Bobby Hill has reminded us all what it means to use a platform for good.”
Collingwood President Jeff Browne added:
“Bobby’s on-field brilliance is obvious. But what he’s done off the field today cements him as a leader of extraordinary vision and compassion. We couldn’t be prouder.”
Hill’s donation comes just days before Collingwood’s first finals match — and now, he’ll be taking the field not just as a player, but as a national inspiration.
Nick Daicos Rejects $150M Offers to Stay Loyal to Collingwood
Just when fans thought the day couldn’t get more dramatic, another announcement sent shockwaves through the AFL: Nick Daicos, the 22-year-old superstar defender and 2023 Brownlow Medalist, turned down a combined $150 million from rival clubs to re-sign with Collingwood — a deal that reportedly pays far less than he was offered elsewhere.
According to multiple league sources, both the Brisbane Lions and the Carlton Football Club tabled massive long-term offers in excess of $75 million each, complete with premiership bonuses and ambassadorial deals.
Instead, Daicos opted to sign a 7-year extension with Collingwood worth a significantly lower base salary — a move driven by loyalty, legacy, and club culture.
“This club made me. My heart has always been with the black and white,” Daicos said. “I couldn’t put a price on what Collingwood means to me, my family, and my future. It’s not about being the richest player in the game — it’s about being part of something bigger than yourself.”
The decision sparked an outpouring of admiration across the league. Social media erupted with tributes from fans, players, and commentators, praising Daicos for turning down temptation in favour of staying true to his roots.
Teammates and Fans React
Speaking after training, Collingwood captain Darcy Moore praised both Daicos and Hill:
“These two blokes just raised the bar. Not just for Collingwood, but for the entire league. They’re more than footballers — they’re role models.”
Magpie supporters gathered outside the club’s training facility, holding banners that read “Forever Pies” and “Loyalty Lives Here.”
A New Standard in the AFL?
In an era where player movement is at an all-time high and contracts seem to grow by the month, the decisions made by Hill and Daicos may mark a shift in the culture of elite sport — one where values, purpose, and loyalty can still triumph over financial gain.
Former coach and media pundit Paul Roos said it best during a segment on AFL 360:
“What Bobby Hill and Nick Daicos did today — that’s legacy. That’s the kind of stuff you tell your grandkids about. It’s a reminder that this game is still, at its core, about people.”
Final Thoughts
While finals footy looms and the pursuit of another premiership begins, Collingwood Football Club has already won something far greater: the hearts of a nation.
With Bobby Hill’s generosity and Nick Daicos’s loyalty, the Magpies have become more than just a football team — they’ve become the symbol of a new standard in sport: one where integrity, compassion, and commitment still matter.
This story is developing. Updates on Hill’s charitable initiatives and Daicos’s new contract structure are expected in the coming days.
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