‘Feeling great’: Former Collingwood star Anthony Rocca shares latest cancer update after lymphoma diagnosis

Former Pies star Anthony Rocca has shared a positive update about his cancer journey after receiving a shock diagnosis of non-Hodgkins lymphoma.

Former Collingwood star Anthony Rocca has revealed a positive outlook after finishing his treatment for cancer. Picture: Instagram

Former Collingwood star Anthony Rocca has revealed a positive outlook after finishing his treatment for cancer.

The forward turned coach was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and spoke of his shock in July.

Now he is “feeling great” and looking forward to a healthy 2025.

“Hi all, Just finished my 6th and last chemo cycle today, (I will still need to complete 2 years of maintenance immunotherapy) but I’m fortunate to be able to say that all is looking great and it has gone to plan,” Rocca shared on Instagram.

“A heartfelt thank you to my oncologist, nurses and all the staff at Epworth hospital. They are truly remarkable, caring and show great teamwork dealing with people with challenging circumstances.

“I am feeling great and looking forward 2025.

“Thank you to everyone who has called and texted, your love and support is greatly appreciated.”

Rocca had been experiencing sharp, stabbing back pain at night for several weeks when his intuition told him something wasn’t quite right. Picture: Julie Kiriacoudis

Rocca had been experiencing sharp, stabbing back pain at night for several weeks when his intuition told him something wasn’t quite right.

It prompted the former Magpie forward and now coach of Northern Knights in the Coates Talent League to seek advice from a medical expert.

“I’ll beat this,” he told the Herald Sun at the time.

“No one likes the dreaded ‘c’ word, it is even hard for me to say it now.

“No one likes to be told you have got that sort of illness. But I am the sort of person who deals with what is front of me.”

Rocca played 242 AFL games and kicked 415 goals with Collingwood and Sydney in a career that spanned 15 seasons, and remains one of the Magpies’ favourite sons.