#23 Anthony Rocca
Posted: Fri Dec 15, 2006 11:04 am
Guernsey Number: 23
Height 195cm
Weight: 104kg
Recruited From: North Reservoir-Lakeside/Northern U18/Sydney
Debut: 1995
Date of Birth: 15 August 1977
After missing most of 2005 with a snapped Achilles tendon, Rocca played closer to goal in 2006 than he has in the past, and performed admirably for the Magpies. He led the club goalkicking for the second time (the other year being 2002), with 55 goals, the best single-season tally of his 12-year career. 34 of his goals came in the first 11 rounds, including a career-best haul of 8.0 in round two against Hawthorn, suggesting his first half of the season was sensational, however his form levelled out thereafter, apart from a bag of six goals in the round 21 triumph over Carlton. Booted five goals in big wins in round five over Port Adelaide, and round nine over the Bulldogs. The 29-year-old played his 200th game in round 16 against West Coast, and finished equal 7th in the EW Copeland Trophy voting.
Playing Honours:
Collingwood
Darren Millane Trophy (best clubman) 2002
Leading goal kicker (equal) 2002
TAC Cup
Team of the Year 1994
TAC Medal (Grand Final B.O.G.) 1994
My spiel on the big fella is as follows (and remember this is my view, not the view of anyone else)
I remember back when Anthony first came down to Collingwood from Sydney, from my memories he played CHB in his early days, and when he went up forward I always thought him and Sav got in each other's way. I guess in hindsight, losing Sav might have given Anthony the chance to prove himself in his own game, and that he did!
I was never a wrap for him when he first came to Collingwood, and it took me a good two years to warm to him, then he became one of my favourites.
The huge long bombs, the big marks and I always love the way he celebrates a goal, punching the fists into the air in delight, along with 30+ thousand passionate black and white fans!
When he did his achilles in 2005 I was absolutely devistated. I was at the game and he looked like he was going to dominate and kick an absolute bag full. Then SNAP, and out the window goes a season and perhaps the best of his career just like that!
I, to this day think that injury has had a severe effect on how he plays today. From all reports, this injury will more than likely hinder his ability to play up to the standard we all have enjoyed over the years. That is where all fans need to be mindful. The usual suspects bagging players for not being like they used to might have to take a step back on this one. But anyway, I hope he proves me wrong and comes out and has a stellar season.
He got his life membership at the AGM on Thursday night, and In front of around 600 members in the Members Dining Room at the MCG, Anthony Rocca was acknowledged for his outstanding contribution to the Collingwood Football Club with that Life Membership.
Rocca paid tribute to coach Mick Malthouse, the Board, his teammates and his family.
Good luck in 2007 Anthony, I'm looking forward to a big year from you and the boys.
GO PIES!
Height 195cm
Weight: 104kg
Recruited From: North Reservoir-Lakeside/Northern U18/Sydney
Debut: 1995
Date of Birth: 15 August 1977
After missing most of 2005 with a snapped Achilles tendon, Rocca played closer to goal in 2006 than he has in the past, and performed admirably for the Magpies. He led the club goalkicking for the second time (the other year being 2002), with 55 goals, the best single-season tally of his 12-year career. 34 of his goals came in the first 11 rounds, including a career-best haul of 8.0 in round two against Hawthorn, suggesting his first half of the season was sensational, however his form levelled out thereafter, apart from a bag of six goals in the round 21 triumph over Carlton. Booted five goals in big wins in round five over Port Adelaide, and round nine over the Bulldogs. The 29-year-old played his 200th game in round 16 against West Coast, and finished equal 7th in the EW Copeland Trophy voting.
Playing Honours:
Collingwood
Darren Millane Trophy (best clubman) 2002
Leading goal kicker (equal) 2002
TAC Cup
Team of the Year 1994
TAC Medal (Grand Final B.O.G.) 1994
My spiel on the big fella is as follows (and remember this is my view, not the view of anyone else)
I remember back when Anthony first came down to Collingwood from Sydney, from my memories he played CHB in his early days, and when he went up forward I always thought him and Sav got in each other's way. I guess in hindsight, losing Sav might have given Anthony the chance to prove himself in his own game, and that he did!
I was never a wrap for him when he first came to Collingwood, and it took me a good two years to warm to him, then he became one of my favourites.
The huge long bombs, the big marks and I always love the way he celebrates a goal, punching the fists into the air in delight, along with 30+ thousand passionate black and white fans!
When he did his achilles in 2005 I was absolutely devistated. I was at the game and he looked like he was going to dominate and kick an absolute bag full. Then SNAP, and out the window goes a season and perhaps the best of his career just like that!
I, to this day think that injury has had a severe effect on how he plays today. From all reports, this injury will more than likely hinder his ability to play up to the standard we all have enjoyed over the years. That is where all fans need to be mindful. The usual suspects bagging players for not being like they used to might have to take a step back on this one. But anyway, I hope he proves me wrong and comes out and has a stellar season.
He got his life membership at the AGM on Thursday night, and In front of around 600 members in the Members Dining Room at the MCG, Anthony Rocca was acknowledged for his outstanding contribution to the Collingwood Football Club with that Life Membership.
Rocca paid tribute to coach Mick Malthouse, the Board, his teammates and his family.
Good luck in 2007 Anthony, I'm looking forward to a big year from you and the boys.
GO PIES!
