Rob Cope began with RFC in 1973 after transferring from Wingfield FC. His father Fred Cope was a long serving trainer with the junior football club and his uncle Fred Lynch a long serving drinks steward also with the juniors.
Under noted Rosewater identity Brian Johnson, Rob played for the U/15s and then U/16’s for 3 years the last year as captain and featured in the finals in all years. During this time he was fortunate enough to be chosen to represent South Australia in the national U 16 Carnival in Brisbane for which the club held numerous fundraising events to assist in meeting costs, something that has set the club at the forefront of his mind since.
He was successful in achieving state representation in 1975 and 1976 and in 1975 was state U/16 captain, SA Best & Fairest and also an All Australian.
During these years he played with the Marchioretti brothers (Edley and John), Gary Page, John Brambilla and Paul Belton, to name a few.
In 1976 he was a member of the RFC Senior Colts side before moving to PAFC U 19's under another RFC champion Brian Fairclough but a knee injury saw his career curtailed at this point.
After transferring to the country with employment he played with Kongorong in the Mid South East League finishing runner up in the 1984 Grand Final.
Rob also played cricket at Port Adelaide with the likes of RFC legends Barry Curtin, Gary Page, Peter Brien, Mick Brien, Ian Harry and Paul Belton, and is a member of their past players group.
Rob joined the board of the Port Magpies in 1996 and from 2007 to 2009 served as President of that club enjoying many satisfying moments especially when listening to Barry Curtin and his take on all things in South Australian football.
RFC holds a dear place in his footballing memories with many mates including club legends in John Staker, Gary Watkins, and Frank Carbone, often reminiscing about the great days gone past.
Rob always has a special place for his footballing mentor in the late Brain Johnson and will be forever grateful for his guidance friendship during those growing up years
