Prime Minister Anthony Albanese Honors Legendary Broadcaster Dennis Cometti
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has paid a moving tribute to the legendary West Australian sports commentator Dennis Cometti, who died on Wednesday. Speaking before Question Time at Federal Parliament in Canberra on Thursday, Mr Albanese celebrated Cometti's immense contribution to Australian sport and broadcasting.
A Nation Mourns a Sporting Voice
"Today Australians right across this great sport loving nation of ours will be mourning the passing of one of our best loved commentators," Mr Albanese told the House of Representatives. He described Cometti as a proud son of Western Australia who played for West Perth in the WAFL before becoming one of the most recognizable voices in Australian sports media.
For five remarkable decades, Dennis Cometti broadcast Australian rules football, covered three Olympic Games, and commented on virtually every other major sport across television and radio platforms. "We were very familiar with that velvet voice of his," Albanese noted. "He elevated it for us by having an eagle eye, an insight, and his distinctive humour, the product of meticulous preparation and spontaneous genius."
Iconic Quotes and Unforgettable Moments
The Prime Minister delighted the parliamentary floor by reading several of Cometti's most famous and witty observations, which were met with unanimous laughter and applause. These included not just his iconic phrases like "centimetre perfect" or "like a cork in the ocean," but also his brilliant off-beat commentary gems.
- "The Magpies ought to be kicking themselves right now but with their luck they'd probably miss."
- "Barlow to Bateman, the Hawks are attacking alphabetically."
- "Liberatore went into the last pack optimistically but came out misty optically."
Albanese highlighted Cometti's particular talent for playing with people's names, recalling his remark about Carlton player Anthony Koutoufides: "There's Koutoufides, more vowels than possessions today." He also mentioned Cometti's description of then young Melbourne Demons player Adem Yze as "a lousy Scrabble hand but a very good young player."
A True Original and Lasting Legacy
"Dennis inspired countless imitators but he remained the best, a true original," Albanese declared. He emphasized Cometti's brilliant partnership and genuine friendship with fellow broadcasting legend Bruce McAvaney, noting that Cometti's sense of humor was perfectly balanced by "a powerful sense of occasion, an ability to recognise a defining moment and rise to it."
The Prime Minister concluded by acknowledging that Dennis Cometti will be deeply missed by his family, loved ones, and countless colleagues who learned from his generosity and skill. "Importantly, he will be missed by Australians who never met him, but who loved him and enjoyed his contribution," Albanese said. "He will live forever in some of the happiest sporting memories of Australians everywhere. May he rest in peace."
In a separate tribute, Cometti also received a standing ovation from guests at Fremantle Football Club's season launch at Crown Ballroom on Thursday morning, demonstrating the widespread affection and respect for his remarkable career.
