Australian Broadcasting Legend Dennis Cometti Passes Away at Age 76
The Australian sporting community is in mourning following the passing of broadcasting icon Dennis Cometti, who died at the age of 76. Renowned as one of the nation's finest-ever sports commentators, Cometti's distinctive voice and brilliant one-liners became synonymous with Australian football for over three decades.
A Pre-Eminent Voice in AFL Broadcasting
Dennis Cometti was widely regarded as Australian football's pre-eminent caller, spearheading the Seven Network's AFL coverage until his retirement at the end of 2016. His career spanned an impressive 30 years, during which he became famous for coining phrases like 'centimetre perfect' and delivering countless memorable lines that endeared him to fans across the country.
In recognition of his immense contributions to the sport, Cometti was inducted into the Australian Football Hall of Fame in 2020. His legacy was further cemented with the naming of the media centre at Optus Stadium in his honour when the venue opened in 2018, and he was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia the following year.
A Storied Career Across Multiple Sports
Born in Geraldton in 1949, Cometti initially rose through junior football ranks to play 40 WAFL games for West Perth before coaching the club in 1982. However, it was in broadcasting that he would make his greatest mark.
Cometti's broadcasting journey began with a 13-year career at the ABC before he joined the Seven Network in 1986, coinciding with West Coast's entry into the then-VFL the following year. He later spent five seasons at Nine from 2002 to 2006 before returning to Seven when the network reclaimed AFL broadcasting rights.
Beyond football, Cometti's versatile talent saw him call a wide range of sporting events. He was behind the microphone for West Coast's maiden premiership triumph in 1992, called Kieren Perkins' dramatic win from Lane 8 at the 1996 Olympics among three Olympic Games, and also provided commentary for Test cricket, basketball, and WAFL matches throughout his distinguished career.
Final Years and Lasting Legacy
After finishing his television calling career in 2016, alongside long-time on-air partner Bruce McAvaney for that year's grand final, Cometti continued to call games locally for radio station Triple M until 2021. His partnership with McAvaney became one of Australian broadcasting's most celebrated duos, bringing excitement and insight to millions of viewers.
Cometti's passing leaves a significant void in Australian sports media. His unique style, sharp wit, and unparalleled ability to capture the drama of sporting moments made him not just a commentator but an integral part of the sporting experience for generations of Australians. Tributes are expected to pour in from across the sporting and broadcasting communities as the nation remembers a true icon of Australian sport.
