The Robert Rose Cup was first struck in 2000 to commemorate Rose’s contribution to sport and more importantly to raise funds for the Robert Rose Foundation. Rose was a brilliant athlete, who had success in both Cricket and Football, playing for both Collingwood and Footscray (now Western Bulldogs). At just 22 years of age and the height of his career, Rose was involved in a tragic car accident which left him a quadriplegic.

The Robert Rose Foundation was named in Rose’s honour after he passed away in 1999. They provide support to sufferers of spinal injuries through ParaQuad Victoria.
 
ParaQuad is a not-for-profit organisation that provides services to enable people with a disability to achieve their desired quality of life.

Going by the previous results of the Cup, according to Assistant Coach, Leon Cameron, this weekend’s game would be a pure contest between two very evenly matched sides.

Results:

•    2000 (Rd 20) – Western Bulldogs 15-10-100 def Collingwood 13-13-91 at Colonial Stadium
•    2001 (Rd 3) – Collingwood 23-15-153 def Western Bulldogs 12-9-81 at Colonial Stadium
•    2002 (Rd 22) – Western Bulldogs 17-12-114 def Collingwood 10-13-73 at MCG
•    2003 (Rd 13) – Collingwood 18-20-128 def Western Bulldogs at Telstra Dome
•    2004 (Rd 2) – Collingwood 15-16-106 def Western Bulldogs 13-19-97 at MCG
•    2005 (Rd 22) – Western Bulldogs 21-15-141 def Collingwood 14-16-100 at Telstra Dome
•    2006 (Rd 9) – Collingwood 21-13-139 def Western Bulldogs 16-9-105 at MCG
•    2007 (Rd 8) – Western Bulldogs 20-15-135 def Collingwood 14-18-102 at Telstra Dome
•    2008 (Rd 13) – Western Bulldogs 15-9-99 def Collingwood 11-13-89 at Telstra Dome

In addition, this weekend, the Rose Sutton Medal named after Bob Rose and Charlie Sutton both legends of their Clubs and the game, will be awarded to the player in the match who best exemplifies the qualities that Sutton and Rose became renowned for over their careers – courage, skill, leadership, and sportsmanship.

Winners:

•    2007 (Rd 8) – Western Bulldogs def Collingwood at Telstra Dome – Matthew Boyd
•    2008 (Rd 13) – Western Bulldogs def Collingwood at Telstra Done – Ben Johnson

So this weekend don’t miss all the action and celebrations as these two Clubs currently ranked 3rd and 4th on the ladder battle it out at in front of what is expected to be a record breaking crowd.