Former AFL star Tom Rockliff details wild body transformation
A quick look in the mirror was enough for a former AFL All Australian to make some drastic changes to his lifestyle.
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Former Brisbane and Port Adelaide midfielder Tom Rockliff has detailed his drastic body transformation that has taken place over the past five months.
Rockliff, 34, won two best and fairest awards and an All Australian nod during nine years with the Lions before finishing his career with four more seasons at the Power.
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Retiring in 2021 due to injury following 208 career games, Rockliff spent some time in the SANFL before commencing a career in commercial broking.
Like many professional athletes once they hang up the boots, Rockliff’s weight increased without the rigours of training and playing games.
In January this year he reached 103.2 kilograms, significantly above his playing weight of around 85kg, and he knew it was time to make some changes.
“Start of 2024, I decided to make a change to my physical and mental health,” Rockliff wrote in a post shared on X and Instagram.
“I looked in the mirror and was disappointed in myself. I decided to make some changes.
“Research shows that exercise can improve our mood and physical health.”
In the post, Rockliff has before and after photos of his physique, with his weight down to 89.9kg this month, a loss of 13.3kg.
He states he will be commencing a Push Up Challenge on June 5 in a bid to raise money and awareness to suicide in Australia.
“In 2022, 3,249 people died of suicide in Australia – that is 9 people every day,” he wrote.
“I will be completing 3,249 push ups in the 24 days to represent their lives.
“Push for better health and wellbeing for everyone – I am taking part to help raise funds and awareness for mental health.”
Rockliff adds a link to his page on The Push Up Challenge site, which has so far raised $1,335 towards his goal of $3,000.
The former Lions captain has received over 3000 likes and more than 120 comments across the platforms since the posts went live on Sunday afternoon (AEST).
Among the comments were a number of followers wondering how he had achieved the weight loss to date.
“I just stopped drinking mate,” he said in reply to one of them. “Had three out of five months with no (beers emoji) – and started working out.
“Started to eat less too, I was eating too much and not burning it.”
He then listed a workout circuit that included push up, crunches, bench presses and 600 metre runs.
“The weight loss around the face and neck is amazing,” was another comment.
“+10kg in 6 months is very good, sustained work. Hope you’re doing as well on the inside as the outside!” wrote another.
“Good on you Tom. Much discipline involved. Keep it going mate,” offered a third.
“Great work Rocky. An inspiration to all of us fellas doing it tough,” wrote another.
Originally published as Former AFL star Tom Rockliff details wild body transformation
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