Dylan Hill is not giving up on returning to the field in the future despite having to step down as captain-coach of the Narromine Jets due to a number of health issues.
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The Jets made the announcement this week and while it is a huge blow for the club given the return of Group 11 footy is drawing nearer the focus is on supporting Hill.
Hill, despite being just 28, has had an injury ravaged career and has had multiple knee reconstructions.
That is part of the issue keeping him sidelined currently while another health matter, which remains unspecified, also forced Hill to step down from the top job at the Jets.
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While Hill stated his health matter isn't "life-threatening or major" it would make it almost impossible to take on the responsibly of captain-coach at the moment due to the pain and discomfort he is currently in.
"At the moment, the way my body is, this is definitely the right decision," Hill said.
"Obviously the knee is part of the issue. There's signs of some early arthritis after multiple knee reconstructions and there's another health issue I've got at the moment.
"I'm not sure I could fully commit to the club because of the pain. Sometimes I struggle to get through a day and I don't want to let the club down if I couldn't go to training or a game."
Hill has already spoken to doctors about the issue and is seeking more medical advice before making any final decision on his playing career.
But the current situation, as well as having a young family and a relatively new job, has Hill focused on himself and those closest to him.
It (retirement) is 50-50 at the moment. I wouldn't like to retire only at 28.
- Dylan Hill
"If I was playing I'd inflict more damage on my body so I'm seeking some health experts before I know what's going on," he said.
"It's tough not playing at 28 when I should be going into my prime.
"It (retirement) is 50-50 at the moment. I wouldn't like to retire only at 28."
Hill had originally planned to return to the field this season after COVID ruined any chance of playing in 2020 and injury sidelined him for much of the 2019 season.
That was his first season as captain-coach of the Jets, having previously held the role at Macquarie for a year before that.
"I'll still have a role at the club," he said of the Jets.
"I told (president) Mick Burns I'd like to help out and he's happy to have me so I'll still be involved."
Hill was eager to remain involved with the Jets given the club had supported him as he juggled playing, coaching, studying, and having a young family.
The Jets are yet to name a replacement for Hill but the outgoing captain-coach has no doubt the large number of senior players and figure at the clubs can continue to steer the ship in the right direction short-term.
Former Narromine captain-coach Luke Thompson is back to play for the Jets in 2021 and will be key while Hill highlighted fellow recruit PJ Stanton and Jets regular Alex Sambrook as others who can continue to move the side forward during pre-season.
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Nick Guthrie
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
