Nick's Collingwood Page - The 2004 Team

The big enigma, Anthony Rocca, was initially drafted by Sydney in 1995. Rocca was reluctant to go to the Swans as his older brother Saverio was the Collingwood full-forward and Anthony was eager to join him.
After two years at Sydney without much success, Anthony was traded to Collingwood for Ben Wilson and Mark Orchard. In his first season at the Pies, Rocca was brilliant in patches and terrible in others.
He started the season well, as did the Pies as they won their first two matches against Port and Melbourne. Rocca played an important part in the victory’s as he and Sav were the goal kicking targets.
On ANZAC Day, Rocca rose to the occasion by roosting a huge 75-metre torpedo from the wing. But as the winter kicked in, Rocca went off the boil and was banished to the reserves.
Season 1998 started well for both Sav and Anthony, as they were both at the forefront of the Pies win against Hawthorn. But once again, the long season kicked in and Anthony again had a spell on the sidelines.
Season 1999 was a major brake through for Rocca, finishing second in the Copeland Trophy and becoming a leader at the club. Rocca’s best game came against the Tigers in round 19, as he led the side to an impressive victory.
Under new coach Mick Malthouse, Rocca started 2000 like a house on fire, pulling down big grabs and kicking big goals, he helped pave the way for a five match-winning streak at the start of the season.
But mid season, Rocca reverted back to the old Rocca, losing fitness and form he suffered under weight of media pressure. A major shock at the season’s end, Sav was delisted and picked up by North Melbourne.
2001 was a new beginning for Collingwood and Rocca. Rocca led from the front with six goals in round six to sink Carlton at the MCG. Rocca then came up against his older brother, Sav, at the Kangaroos.
Both Rocca’s had a chance to win the match for their respective clubs, with Anthony missing at one end and Sav putting one through at the other end to give the Roos a much needed victory.
2002 was the first year Collingwood had made the finals since 1994, and Rocca was in the thick of it. Kicking 38 goals to tie for the clubs goal-kicking award, Rocca dominated the season and was at his best in the finals. A big drop punt from the wing in the Preliminary Final against Adelaide set the team on fire came before a four-goal effort in the Grand Final.
It would have been five, had the goal umpire called correctly. Sadly for Rocca, the Pies went down by nine points. Rocca suffered a broken thumb early in 2003 and did not hit his straps until after the mid season brake.
His best performance came in the round 16 clash with Richmond with four goals. However, with the Pies leading well early in the Preliminary Final, Rocca’s errant elbow struck Ports Brendan Lade and was suspended for two matches.
The Magpies appealed but to no avail. The Pies went down by 50 points and many still say that the loss of Rocca cost them a flag.
2004 was year of redemption for Rocca after the finals suspension. However, big Pebbles could not hit his best form at all and then found himself sidelined with an ankle injury.