Former AFL star Anthony Rocca has disclosed that he is facing cancer and will step away from football while undergoing chemotherapy. The 46-year-old, renowned for his goal-scoring prowess with Collingwood after starting his career with the Sydney Swans, received a diagnosis of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma just two weeks ago following a series of tests and scans.
Describing his initial reaction, Rocca admitted to News Corp, “No one likes the dreaded ‘c’ word, it is even hard for me to say it now.” Despite the shock, he affirmed his determination to confront the illness head-on, stating, “I’ll beat this.” Rocca experienced severe nighttime back pain for about four weeks before seeking medical attention.
Following his retirement from playing in 2009, Rocca remained involved in the AFL community as a coach with Collingwood and North Melbourne, transitioning to the under-18 coaching role with the Northern Knights in 2022. He has temporarily stepped away from coaching to focus on a rigorous six-month chemotherapy regimen. Rocca expressed optimism after being assured by doctors that his cancer is highly treatable.
In speaking publicly about his diagnosis, Rocca hopes to encourage others to prioritize their health and seek medical advice promptly if they experience concerning symptoms. He emphasized the importance of early intervention, particularly for individuals in physically demanding professions like tradespeople.
Acknowledging the support of his family—wife Enza and children Mia and Max—Rocca shared a heartfelt message on social media, celebrating his wife’s birthday and expressing profound gratitude for her unwavering support during this challenging time.
In April, Rocca participated in a charity boxing match against former North Melbourne player Corey McKernan, winning by knockout. Reflecting on the event, he underscored that despite the competitive spirit, the primary goal was camaraderie and sportsmanship rather than causing harm.
Rocca’s journey with cancer underscores the unpredictable nature of health challenges and serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and proactive healthcare.