Collingwood star Bobby Hill’s progression towards a long-awaited AFL return has stalled and he is unlikely to feature at any level this weekend.

Hill hasn’t played at senior level at all this year after taking personal leave in the off-season.

The Norm Smith medallist played a full game in the VFL on the weekend, gathering just five disposals and failing to kick a goal.

That came a week after kicking three goals against Box Hill in his first competitive match of the year.

But Hill won’t be considered for senior selection this week with coach Craig McRae revealing his GPS numbers are not at the required level yet.

“Yeah, he’s getting there. He’s not quite there,” McRae said on Wednesday.

“Personally, watching Bobby and looking at his GPS, there’s still a level that he’s not quite meeting.

“But he’s played one full game (in the VFL) so we’ll give him a bit of time and space.

“Obviously not being able to train with the family stuff is important to prepare to play.

“We like setting people up to be successful with the way they play. That might not be this week.”

McRae also said Hill might not feature at any level this weekend because his partner is due.

“We wish them well and we’ll see how that all goes in the next couple of days,” he added.

Meanwhile, Collingwood will take on Sydney and in-form ruckman Brodie Grundy without reigning best-and-fairest winner Darcy Cameron.

Having already planned to rest veteran Scott Pendlebury so he can play his record-breaking match at the MCG next weekend, the Magpies will travel to the SCG without Cameron.

Collingwood coach Craig McRae ruled his No.1 ruckman out following the Magpies’ main training session on Wednesday.

The 30-year-old has been dealing with an ankle injury, becoming worse in last Saturday night’s loss against Geelong.

“He’s got a bit going on with his body, so we’re going to rule him out and not travel,” McRae said of Cameron.

“His partner is due next week as well. There’s a bit going on around the house for him.

“His body’s not quite ready to perform this week, so we’re going we’re going to hold him back.”

Ruck duties will fall to 22-year-old Oscar Steene, who has been a revelation in seven games this season in centre bounces.

But going up against Swans goliath Grundy, who could be tracking for a third All-Australian jacket, will comfortably be his biggest challenge.

“He’s having a super season,” McRae said of Grundy.

“A great player, clearly performing at a the level, that’s exactly what the team’s doing as well.

“They’re performing at a high standard.”

Young forward Charlie West, who played one AFL game last season, is likely to earn a recall after firing with four goals in the VFL last weekend.

Pendlebury trained fully on Wednesday, despite not going to Sydney to take on the Swans.

“I was worried about his body, and how his body’s preparing and recovering, but it will be an exciting week next week,” McRae said.

Captain Darcy Moore, Pat Lipinski, Harry Perryman and Tim Membrey also sit on the sidelines for the 10th-placed Pies.

- With AAP