AFL star has cancer, taking time away

The small forward will undergo surgery next week and take time away from footy, the club said in a statement on Sunday, adding a medical assessment following his recovery period will determine whether any further treatment is needed.Giants General Manager of Football Jason McCartney said: “Bobby and his family have our full support, as always, as they go through this period. “His health and wellbeing is our absolute priority and he’ll have the best medical care as he undergoes surgery on Tuesday and beyond. “There’ll be a period of time for him to recover before further medical assessment to understand if any additional steps are required. “Bobby is in good spirits and knows he has the support and love of the entire GIANTS family.” Hill played in the Giants’ 14-point loss to Brisbane on Saturday, notching six touches and kicking a goal.The 22-year-old has played 41 games for GWS since being drafted in 2018.Hill, whose contract expires at the end of the year, requested a trade to Essendon during the last off-season but the Giants denied his request.Carlton star Sam Docherty made an emotional return to footy this season, seven months after his second cancer diagnosisThe 28-year-old stepped away from the game last August to begin 12 weeks of chemotherapy, describing his second cancer diagnosis as a “curveball”. He was first diagnosed back in November 2020.North Melbourne favourite Ben Cunnington is unavailable to play, having undergone chemotherapy after a secondary cancer was discovered during a routine check-up in November.The 30-year-old had successful surgery in July to remove a testicular tumour and missed seven games of the Kangaroos’ 2021 campaign but the cancer returned. Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au