Australian Football

Collingwood recruited Laurie Hill from Thornbury and he proved to be a footballer of considerable assurance and flair. He made his VFL debut in 1962, and was on a half back flank, and many observers' choice as the Magpies' best, in the losing Grand Fnal of 1964 against Melbourne (reviewed here). He also played in the 1966 Grand Final loss against St Kilda (covered here).

A VFL interstate representative in 1964 and 1965, Hill played his 114th senior game for the 'Woods in the opening round of the 1969 season against Hawthorn at Glenferrie. Collingwood lost by 22 points, but most observers felt that Hill had done well in restricting his opponent to a handful of possessions. The Magpie selection committee thought otherwise, however, and promptly dropped him to the seconds, maintaining that he "hadn't attacked enough".

Disgusted at the decision, Hill, still aged just 26, decided to quit the club and move to the VFA. Both Northcote, where his elder brothers Max and Len had played, and Preston declared an interest, and Hill opted for the latter. He went on to give the Bullants five years of highly impressive service. In his debut season he won the Liston Trophy, and was on his usual half back flank as Preston downed Dandenong by two goals in the First division Grand Final. Hill later described the premiership win as the highlight of his football career.

Hill won a second Liston Trophy in 1971, making him the Bullants' only dual winner of the award. He also won club best and fairest trophies in 1970 and 1971. After playing 84 senior games for Preston, he rounded off his playing career as captain-coach of Diamond Valley League club Watsonia in 1974 and 1975.

Author - John Devaney