Bob Rush
Collingwood
AFL career
142 games1 goals
- Debut
- R2 1899 v MEL20 May 1899
- Most recent
- R9 1908 v SME20 June 1908
Coaching career
1 games1 wins0 losses0 draws
- First
- GF 1930 v GEE11 Oct 1930
Stats
Bio
Robert Rush was the eldest of a famous footballing dynasty, being the first of five brothers to play VFL football—a League record that still stands. Recruited from Christian Brothers' College, he established himself as a pacy and reliable defender during one of Collingwood’s golden eras. While he wasn't considered a superstar in the traditional sense, he was a vital cog in the Magpies' backline, known for his "fast and sure" dashes from the half-back flank and back pocket. His speed earned him the nickname of a "whirlwind" defender, and his consistency helped underpin the club's back-to-back premierships in 1902 and 1903.
His contribution to Collingwood extended far beyond his decade-long playing career, eventually eclipsing his on-field deeds. Immediately upon retiring in 1908, Rush became the club treasurer, a position he held for a staggering 42 years. He was a pivotal administrator who coined the club's famous motto "Floreat Pica" (May the Magpies Prosper) and famously filled in as coach during the 1930 Grand Final when Jock McHale was ill, guiding the team to its fourth consecutive flag. His legacy is immortalised at the club with the R.T. Rush Trophy, awarded annually to the runner-up in the best and fairest count.
Profile
- Born
- 09 Oct 1880
- Died
- 13 Mar 1975 (aged 94y 155d)
- Birthplace
- Richmond, VIC
- Deathplace
- Northcote, VIC
- Height
- 177 cm
- Weight
- 80 kg
Teams
Coaching
Honours
- Premiership(2Ă—) 1902, 1903
Family
- Brother:Bryan Rush, Leo Rush, Gerald Rush, Kevin Rush
Bio
1 revisionRobert Rush was the eldest of a famous footballing dynasty, being the first of five brothers to play VFL football—a League record that still stands. Recruited from Christian Brothers' College, he established himself as a pacy and reliable defender during one of Collingwood’s golden eras. While he wasn't considered a superstar in the traditional sense, he was a vital cog in the Magpies' backline, known for his "fast and sure" dashes from the half-back flank and back pocket. His speed earned him the nickname of a "whirlwind" defender, and his consistency helped underpin the club's back-to-back premierships in 1902 and 1903.
His contribution to Collingwood extended far beyond his decade-long playing career, eventually eclipsing his on-field deeds. Immediately upon retiring in 1908, Rush became the club treasurer, a position he held for a staggering 42 years. He was a pivotal administrator who coined the club's famous motto "Floreat Pica" (May the Magpies Prosper) and famously filled in as coach during the 1930 Grand Final when Jock McHale was ill, guiding the team to its fourth consecutive flag. His legacy is immortalised at the club with the R.T. Rush Trophy, awarded annually to the runner-up in the best and fairest count.