Rocca returns
AFL great Sav Rocca joins Carlton as a kicking coach. - By Danielle Balales, Carlton Media.A familiar face has returned to Ikon Park, with former AFL and NFL champ Sav Rocca joining the Blues as a kicking coach. After spending some time at Carlton during the 2015 season, Rocca has made his way back to the Club to assist players with their kicking technique. During his AFL career, Rocca booted a whopping 748 goals in 257 games for Collingwood and North Melbourne between 1992 and 2006.
Once he retired from footy, Rocca headed to the USA where he spent five seasons in the NFL as a punter for the Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Redskins. Carlton’s Head of Football Andrew McKay says Rocca is a welcome addition to the Blues’ football department. “We’re delighted Sav has returned to the Club for the 2017 season,” McKay said. “He not only has a wealth of knowledge in kicking techniques, but he is also able to pass that knowledge onto our players in a really effective way. I have no doubt our players will benefit from his guidance and support.” Welcome back, Sav!
Saverio Rocca’s career highlights:
AFL
Career: 257 AFL games
Collingwood (156) 1992-2000
North Melbourne (101) 2001-2006
Career goals: 748 (514 at Collingwood, 234 at North Melbourne)
AFL highlights:
• AFL Rising Star nominee 1993
• Collingwood best and fairest 1995
• Collingwood leading goalkicker 1993-1999
• North Melbourne leading goalkicker: 2001-2002, 2004
• VFL/AFL Italian Team of the Century
• ANZAC Day Medal 1995, 1998
• 13th overall in the all-time VFL/AFL leading goalkickers
NFL
Position: Punter
Philadelphia Eagles (2007-2010)
Washington Redskins (2011-2013)
NFL highlights:
• NFL record for the oldest rookie (33 years old)
• Punts: 517
• Punt yards: 22,169
• Punting yard average: 42.9