Channel 7's AFL team has paid tribute to legendary broadcaster Dennis Cometti, who died this week at the age of 76. An outpouring of grief, punctuated by memories and clips of his greatest commentary moments, has dominated social media since Wednesday afternoon.
Hamish McLachlan, preparing to call Sydney's clash with Carlton, described Cometti as a titan of the game. 'He was such a good footballer and a great coach, but he was a world-class broadcaster we all fell in love with,' McLachlan said. 'The players loved being called by him, the fans delighted in hearing his voice. He was a master of his craft, gifted storyteller, dulcet tones. He made the moments so big and some of them became iconic because he was there.'
Channel 7 honoured Cometti's extraordinary life and career at half-time with a three-minute tribute narrated by his great mate and former commentary partner Bruce McAvaney. 'Dennis Cometti didn't just call a moment, he became part of it,' McAvaney said. 'An unforgettable voice, the soundtrack to some of our nation's greatest sporting moments. Triumphs, heartbreaks, miracles.'
McAvaney highlighted Cometti's rare gift of timing and his wisdom to let moments speak for themselves. He also noted Cometti's sharp, unexpected, and incomparable humour. 'To share the commentary box with Dennis is one of my greatest privileges. My colleague, my friend,' McAvaney added.
The Swans held a pre-game ceremony to remember the victims of Bondi and honour heroes, and also remembered Cometti at half-time inside the SCG. Away from football, Supercars commentator Chad Neylon paid tribute to Cometti during the first race of the grand prix weekend in Melbourne, using Cometti's famous line 'like a cork in the ocean' after a driver spun.
