The AFL community is rallying around Anthony Rocca, offering support after the Collingwood legend announced he is battling Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Over the weekend, the 46-year-old revealed to the Herald Sun that he had been experiencing sharp back pains for several weeks, prompting him to seek medical advice.
Rocca, currently the coach of the Northern Knights in the Coates Talent League in Melbourne, consulted Collingwood doctor Ruben Branson. Following a series of tests, he was diagnosed with cancer.
“I’ll beat this,” Rocca stated. “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, who played 220 games for Collingwood and scored 415 goals during his celebrated career, is stepping down from his coaching position with the Knights to undergo six months of chemotherapy, supported by his wife Enza and their children Mia (18) and Max (14).
“They’ve been incredible,” he said. “Enza has been exceptionally strong and supportive. She’s been the rock of our family. It’s crucial for me to stay positive for her and the kids.”
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.”
AFL fans and figures have been sending their well-wishes to Rocca. Former Collingwood player and coach Tony Shaw wrote 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 expressed his support: “Terrible news. Best of luck, Anthony. You’ll conquer this! God speed.”
Fans have shared their sentiments on social media, with one user posting: “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, who initially played 22 games for the Sydney Swans before joining Collingwood, became one of the AFL’s prominent figures. He won the Gordon Coventry Trophy for Collingwood’s leading goal-kicker in 2000, 2002, 2006, and 2007, and the Darren Millane Trophy for Best Clubman in 2002.
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