Collingwood star Bobby Hill has been rewarded for his outstanding performance in the nail-biting victory over Brisbane Lions by collecting his first Norm Smith Medal.
He was everywhere during the pulsating 18.12 (90) to 13.8 (86) win over Brisbane Lions – the see-sawing contest will be remembered as one of the best Grand Finals in history.
Hill was a constant threat in attack, booting a career-best four goals goals to keep Collingwood in the contest and taking a spectacular mark over Brandon Starcevich.
He booted all four of his goals in a first half that featured six lead changes as Collingwood took a 9.9 to 9.3 advantage to the main break.
The 23-year-old Hill was unable to add to his goal tally in the second half despite having two more shots but he stayed in the contest and was crucial in the Magpies hanging on.
Bobby Hill. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)
A cancer survivor, Hill arrived at Collingwood almost 12 months ago from GWS and the dynamic small forward wrote himself into Magpies folklore with a sparkling performance in the epic four-point win over the Lions.
Scott Pendlebury (23 disposals, six clearances) and Jack Crisp (25 touches, two goals) shone for the Magpies in the instant classic, while Nick Daicos (29 disposals) and Jordan De Goey (18 touches, two goals) were also influential.
Hill became the first Magpie to win the Medal since Scott Pendlebury was judged best on ground in the 2010 Grand Final replay win over St Kilda.
Nathan Buckley (2002) and Tony Shaw (1990) are the only other Collingwood players who have won the Medal.
JudgeMental
Roar Rookie
Well deserved.