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.
A utility, Rose established himself in the side in 1971 and appeared in 16 games to help the Magpies make the finals.
[4] Rose was involved in a serious car crash on 14 February 1974 on the Western Highway about 70 kilometres west of Melbourne.
[5] He was a drinks waiter at the Gabba Test during the 1975–76 season to promote the National Paraplegic and Quadriplegic Games.
[8][9] Since the 2000 AFL season, Collingwood and the Western Bulldogs have played annually for the Robert Rose Cup.