A utility player, 1.89 metres (6.2 ft) tall and weighing 93 kilograms (210 lb), Rooke's versatility allowed him to play as a forward, defender, and midfielder.

Rooke made his Geelong debut in 2002 and went on to become a dual premiership player with the club, playing key roles in both the 2007 and 2009 grand final victories.

Rooke was a regular senior player until a shin injury forced him to miss the second half of 2004, including the finals series, but he recovered to play all but one game in 2005.

[1] He returned to the side in the 106-point qualifying final win against the Kangaroos after key defender Matthew Egan suffered a season-ending foot injury.

[1] In October 2010, Rooke announced his retirement from AFL football due to an acute knee injury which kept him out for most of the 2010 home-and-away season.