AFL Community Unites in Support as Collingwood Legend Anthony Rocca Announces Cancer Diagnosis
The AFL community is rallying around Anthony Rocca after the Collingwood great disclosed that he is battling Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. The 46-year-old, currently coaching the Northern Knights in the Coates Talent League, shared with the Herald Sun that sharp back pains led him to seek medical advice, resulting in his cancer diagnosis.
Rocca, who played 220 games and scored 415 goals for Collingwood during his illustrious career, is stepping down from his coaching role to undergo six months of chemotherapy. He will be supported throughout this period by his wife Enza and their children Mia (18) and Max (14).
In a statement, Rocca expressed his determination to overcome the illness: “I’ll beat this. No one likes the dreaded ‘c’ word; it’s hard for me to even say it now. No one wants to hear they have this kind of illness. But I’m the type of person who deals with what’s in front of me. When I found out, my immediate thoughts were ‘How do we treat it?’ ‘What’s the plan?’ and ‘When can we start treatment?’”
Rocca has been reassured that his condition is highly treatable. “I’ve been told it’s a common form of lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and it’s very treatable,” he said. “I’m set to begin chemotherapy in the coming weeks, which will be a six-month process. The statistics show that it’s very treatable. I’m feeling okay right now.”
The football community has been quick to show their support. Former Collingwood player and coach Tony Shaw posted on social media: “Terrible news about Anthony Rocca’s diagnosis. What a wonderful man. We’re in this fight with you, mate. I know the club will support you, and anything I can do to help, I’m there. To the extended Rocca family, we’re only a call away.”
Journalist and TV presenter Stephen Quartermain also offered his support: “Terrible news. Best of luck, Anthony. You’ll conquer this! Godspeed.”
Fans have expressed their condolences and support online, with one user commenting: “Collingwood great Anthony Rocca diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. It’s shocking for the football world. Sending thoughts to him and his family.”
Rocca’s career included stints with the Sydney Swans and Collingwood, where he earned the Gordon Coventry Trophy as the leading goal-kicker in 2000, 2002, 2006, and 2007, and the Darren Millane Trophy for Best Clubman in 2002.