Rocca was traded for fellow 1994 draftee full forward Ben Wilson, Mark Orchard and Collingwood's first two draft selections.

Without Rocca, the Magpies forward line structure was completely changed from the one that had been so successful throughout 2003, and by coincidence or not, Collingwood lost the match by 50 points.

In 2004 he missed 7 matches with injuries, and fared even worse in 2005, snapping an achilles tendon during the Round 4 clash with the Kangaroos, ruling him out for the rest of the season.

The decision by Hawks coach Alastair Clarkson to play Dawson on the much stronger and athletic Rocca was heavily criticised in the media.

In round 22, Anthony played against his brother, Saverio, for Sav's farewell game before heading to the United States to become a gridiron punter.

However Rocca answered his critics with some impressive form in the reserves earning a return in round 4 against the Brisbane Lions, in which he had a solid match up forward.