Norm Smith medallist Bobby Hill’s hopes of a recall remain in doubt ahead of the AFL finals, with Collingwood coach Craig McRae flagging the small forward is still working his way back into calculations.

Personal issues have restricted Hill to just one half of senior football and one game of VFL over the past two months.

Despite missing selection for the Pies’ loss to the Crows on Saturday night he travelled with the team to Adelaide instead of facing Port Melbourne in the VFL.

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Whether that decision helps or harms Hill’s hopes of returning to the AFL side this season remains to be seen.

“Bobby’s getting better every day,” McRae said after Collingwood lost to the Crows by just three points.

“Not sure if he’s available next week but it’s pleasing to have him back this week training hard for us.”

Hill near his best would undoubtedly boost the Pies but it appears form is not the deciding factor, according to 7NEWS Melbourne’s Mitch Cleary.

“Feels like Collingwood’s senior players are just waiting to win a bit of trust back with Bobby Hill,” he said on Sunday Footy Feast.

“Everything you hear around the club — he’s been missing some sessions here and there, clearly dealing with some personal concerns away from the club.

“I think, hearing Craig McRae there, it’s unlikely he’ll play next week.”

If he misses out on a recall to face Melbourne next week, Hill’s case could yet be helped by returning to play for Collingwood’s VFL team.

The reserves are set for a wildcard final next weekend and a win there would set up an elimination final during the AFL’s pre-finals bye.

Hill has kicked a goal in all but one of his AFL appearances this season and notched multiple majors in wins over fellow finals hopefuls Fremantle, Brisbane and the Bulldogs.

Meanwhile, McRae expects Jeremy Howe to be straight back in next week after missing the Adelaide game with concussion.