Carlton coach Mick Malthouse says new part-time goalkicking coach Saverio Rocca will be an asset to the Blues.
Rocca, who booted 748 goals in 257 AFL games for Collingwood and North Melbourne from 1992-2006 before spending five seasons in the NFL as a punter for the Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Redskins, signed with Carlton on the eve of the 2015 season.
“He’s (Rocca) been brought in to assist with our forward line structure and also to assist anyone who needs some kicking skills and techniques,” Malthouse told FIVEaa.
“Not only was he a great AFL kicker, but to actually master the other ball – the gridiron ball – took a special type of player. He’s already instilled into three or four blokes just a different idea of the approach (to goalkicking).”
Carlton has struggled to fire up forward in the opening two rounds, with Malthouse admitting the “brand new forward line” – which features former Bulldog Liam Jones – would take some time to gel.
He said the Blues’ inaccuracy in front of goal wasn’t just limited to Levi Casboult, and that Rocca was the man to improve the goalkicking efficiency of a long list of players.
“The proof will be in the pudding. We’ll all applaud at some stage when we get a Levi (Casboult) who gets five or six goals,” he said.
“More importantly, there’s Henderson, there’s Rowe, there’s Bell … there’s a dozen players in our side who need a technique adjustment. I think he’s (Rocca) perfect for us. It’s a great coup for us because he’s a terrific man. I admire him.”
