Collingwood legend Anthony Rocca reveals shock cancer diagnosis, AFL world reacts

Collingwood legend Anthony Rocca has opened up about the shock of his cancer diagnosis.

The 46-year-old former star striker has been diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and revealed the symptom that raised alarm bells.

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Rocca noticed that he was experiencing sharp, stabbing pains in his back at night, which prompted him to take action.

The current Northern Knights coach sought advice from Collingwood’s Dr Ruben Branson, which led to the shocking discovery.

The 242-game player opened up about the diagnosis in an interview with the Herald Sun and vowed he would beat the disease.

“Nobody likes the dreaded ‘c’ word, even I have trouble pronouncing it now,” Rocca said.

“Nobody likes to hear that they have this kind of illness. But I’m the kind of person who faces what comes my way.

“When I heard the news, I asked myself: ‘How do we treat this disease?’, ‘How do we manage it?’, ‘When can we start treatment? And what is the plan?’”

Rocca is stepping back from his role with the Knights as he prepares to undergo six months of chemotherapy with the support of his wife Enza and children, Mia, 18, and Max, 14.

Good news for the former Pies star: he has been told his condition is very treatable.

“I was told it was a fairly common lymphoma, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma… it’s very treatable,” he said.

“I hope to start chemotherapy in the coming weeks, which will take six months.

“Statistics show us that this disease is easily treatable. I feel good at the moment.”

News of Rocca’s diagnosis has left the football community rallying behind the former Collingwood legend.

Tony Shaw, another Collingwood legend, wrote: “This is horrible news about Anthony Rocca’s diagnosis. What a beautiful man. We are in this fight with you mate. I know the club will support you and I am here to help you in whatever way I can. To Rocco’s extended family, we are just a phone call away for help.”

Channel 10 presenter Stephen Quartermain wrote: “Bloody news. Good luck Anthony.”

You’re going to crush everything! Good luck.

Journalist Cade Lucas wrote: “Great player, great man, great family. Cancer doesn’t stand a chance.”

Another user wrote: “We are all behind you Anthony, you will beat this legend.”

Rocca’s AFL career spanned 15 years before he hung up his boots after the 2009 season.