Speculation is growing that one of the AFL’s top stars has split from his long-time partner.

Collingwood gun and West Australian Bobby Hill has returned to training and is closing in on a return from a month-long absence for personal reasons.

The 2023 Norm Smith medallist hasn’t played since the Pies’ win over St Kilda in round 15 on June 21, with the club citing personal reasons and then illness for his absence.

In an update posted on Tuesday, the club said they are expecting the forward to return next week.

“Bobby Hill has missed the side’s last three matches due to personal reasons and was unable to train last week due to illness. Hill returned to training over the weekend,” the club posted.

“His focus is on resuming full training before a timeline is placed on his return. The Club continues to support Hill throughout this period.”

The Daily Mail has reported that Hill has split with partner Georgia Devlin, with the couple unfollowing each other on social media and scrubbing their accounts of photos of each other.

There are reports that Devlin has remained in WA with Hill’s two children, with homesickness a major factor behind the split.

It would be a devastating blow for Hill, who is often pictured with his two young boys at training and after games.

“When the kids come to sing the song after a game, it feels like a country footy game - the club say I can have the kids in with me whenever I can, so it’s good, it feels like a big family,” Hill said in May.

The couple have been together since Hill’s rise at GWS, where he debuted at just age 18, and was beside him as he battled testicular cancer.

Hill credited Devlin for helping him overcome the ordeal.

“I always asked why me?” in that situation. I wouldn’t put that upon anyone,” he said.

“But going back to my family and here at the club, it’s made me a stronger man.”

Collingwood have elected to close ranks around their star with coach Craig McRae saying the club would not be commenting on the situation.

However, in good news for Pies fans Hill did post a photo of him with his boys and Collingwood teammates with an hourglass emoji, hinting a return is not far away.