Gross was a left footer, playing mostly as a rover and on the wings.
He came from Euroa in north-east Victoria and had only just turned 18 when he made his debut in the opening round of the 1965 VFL season.
[2] Having missed out on selection in Essendon's 1965 premiership team, Gross got his chance three years later when he was named on the bench for the 1968 VFL Grand Final, but they would lose to Carlton by just three points.
[1] His efforts during the season were recognised in the W. S. Crichton Medal count, with Gross finishing in third position.
His only VFL appearance in 1974 was his 121st and final game for Essendon but he was prominent in the reserves that season as captain-coach.