North Melbourne has welcomed former Collingwood and Sydney star Anthony Rocca to its coaching group.

Rocca, who booted 415 goals in 242 games between 1995-2009, will work closely with the club’s key-position players and rucks in a development coaching role.

During his player career, he earnt a reputation as one of the most damaging key-forwards in the game, with his contested marking and long kicking a highlight.

Nick Larkey, Tristan Xerri, Charlie Comben, Ben McKay and Eddie Ford will be among the players enjoying the tutelage of Rocca, with the club boasting an exciting mix of developing key-position talls. 

“We were really keen for some experience to work with our big men,” North GM Football Brady Rawlings said. 

“Anthony has done this role before and has had over 10 years of working at AFL level, developing many young men into seasoned AFL players. 

“Putting time into our young developing key-position players and rucks is very important to us and we believe Anthony is ideal for the role.”

Rocca will commence his new role in the next fortnight.