The AFL mourns the passing of Hall of Fame commentator and broadcaster Dennis Cometti, who passed away overnight in Perth at the age of 76.
Across a five-decade career in radio and television, Cometti combined accurate and incisive calling of the game with wit and humour, forming a legendary partnership with fellow Hall of Fame member Bruce McAvaney in their Grand Final calls for the Seven Network.
Retiring AFL Commission Chair Richard Goyder said the incredible deeds of the game’s greatest players were amplified forever in history when Cometti was at the mike, teamed with his mate Bruce.
“Dennis was a voice for our game for more than 50 years, and he captured the moment perfectly every time and made it fun along the way,” Mr Goyder said.
“From his start at the ABC, with a significant career there too as a high-quality cricket caller for Test matches in the 1970s, footy was the beneficiary for so long with his incredible skills. He was a master of calling everything – cricket, the Olympics, swimming and anything he turned his hand too – but footy was lucky to have him the longest for his greatest work.
“It must also be remembered too that Dennis was a fine player at league level for West Perth in the WAFL before his broadcast career took off, and also then coached the club at senior level.
“He stands rightly in the Hall of Fame as one of the greatest media contributors in our history and we send our deepest condolences to his family and countless friends,” Mr Goyder said.
AFL CEO Andrew Dillon said Cometti’s last television call, the 2016 Grand Final, epitomised Cometti’s incredible skills as he perfectly captured the emotion of the Bulldogs’ historic win to break a 62-year drought in a compelling game.
“Dennis’ call of that amazing game was simply perfect but every fan of a certain age has their own catchphrase that jumps straight to the tongue, whether it’s ’cork in the ocean’, ‘centimetre perfect’ or Buddy sprinting down the wing at the MCG,” Mr Dillon said.
“We are privileged that so much of his greatest work calling our biggest games is easily available for all fans, and thank you Dennis for illuminating footy and your contribution across the country to bring that excitement into homes.’
Cometti was inducted into the Australian Football Hall of Fame as a broadcaster in 2020, but his last call was with Triple M in 2021 for the historic first-ever Grand Final played that year in Perth at Optus Stadium.
He was also made an AM in the Australia Day honours in 2019 and was an 11-time winner of the AFMA media broadcaster of the year, as well as the 2006 best media performer of the year.
Dennis Cometti career record:
Played 38 games and scored 70 goals for West Perth: 1967-1971
Coached 65 games for West Perth: 1982-1984
Football broadcast history:
1972 – 1985: ABC Radio
1986 – 2001: Seven Network
2002 – 2006: Nine Network
2007 – 2016: Seven Network
2008 – 2011: 3AW
2012 – 2021: Triple M
Appointed as a member of the Order of Australia (AM): 2019
Alf Potter Award: 2006
AFMA Television Caller of the Year on 11 Occasions
Sport Australia Lifetime Achievement Award: 2018
Sport Australia Hall of Fame: 2019
Inducted into the MCG Hall of Fame
Inducted into the AFMA Hall of Fame
