Robert Rose (sportsman)

Robert Peter Rose (6 February 1952 – 12 May 1999) was an Australian sportsman who played Australian rules football in the VFL and first-class cricket during the 1970s. Following a car accident in 1974 he became a quadriplegic.

Rose was born into a famous sporting family, his father Bob was a Copeland Trophy winning footballer with, and coach of, Collingwood and a member of the Australian Football Hall of Fame while his uncles Kevin, Ralph and Bill also played for Collingwood.

Robert went to school at Haileybury College from where he was recruited to the Collingwood Football Club.

He made his VFL debut for Collingwood in the 1970 season and played four games that year. A utility, Rose established himself in the side in 1971 and appeared in 16 games to help the Magpies makes the finals. He struggled to hold his place in the side the following year and in 1973 crossed to Footscray.

Rose was also a talented cricketer and played as a right-handed middle order batsman for Victoria. He was a regular in their 1972/73 and 1973/74 Sheffield Shield teams and from 19 first-class games managed 981 runs at 30.65.

His only century was an innings of 118 not out which he made in the first innings of a Shield game against Queensland at the Brisbane Cricket Ground, following it up with 88 in the second. Another career highlight was when he scored 67 against New Zealand who were touring the country.

He scored 94 in a 214 run partnership with Paul Sheahan in 1972-73.