A Voice That Defined a Generation: Remembering Dennis Cometti
Australia’s sporting landscape has lost a titan. Legendary commentator Dennis Cometti, whose rich voice and unparalleled wit provided the soundtrack to some of our most cherished sporting moments, has passed away at the age of 76 after a long illness. His departure leaves an undeniable void, particularly on the eve of the 2026 AFL season, a season he so often illuminated with his insightful and often hilarious calls.
Cometti’s impact stretched far beyond the boundaries of the Australian Football League. While he was the undisputed king of AFL commentary, his linguistic flair and descriptive prowess were equally captivating across other sports. He famously brought the drama of the pool to life, most notably with his stirring calls of Kieren Perkins’ heroic 1500-metre freestyle triumph at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics and Australia’s jubilant 4x100m freestyle relay gold medal win at the Sydney Games. His ability to capture the raw emotion and critical nuances of these events cemented his status as a national treasure.
The Dynamic Duo: Cometti and McAvaney
For decades, the partnership between Dennis Cometti and Bruce McAvaney on Seven’s AFL coverage was nothing short of iconic. Together, they didn’t just commentate; they created an experience. Their seamless synergy and distinct styles set a new benchmark for football broadcasting, a standard by which all subsequent commentary teams have been measured.
McAvaney, a close friend and colleague, paid a heartfelt tribute, reflecting on the immense joy Cometti brought into the lives of so many. “When I think about Dennis, one of the first things I think about is the amount of joy he brought to all of our lives,” McAvaney stated. “How many times did he make us laugh and smile? We would sit there and think, ‘How did he think of that?’ He leaves a legacy that is undeniable, unique, and authentic.”
McAvaney highlighted Cometti’s profound influence on the game itself. “Perhaps the most impressive thing about Dennis is that through his calling, he made footballers famous. That’s a gift.” He further added, “On a personal level, I feel like I’ve lost something truly precious. We shared an extraordinary journey. We were a similar age and at similar stages of our lives, and we both understood the pressure that came with the role – the effort it demanded and the vulnerability that came with trying to live up to expectations. We leaned on each other through that. We always had each other’s backs.”
Their final broadcast together was the 2016 AFL Grand Final, a poignant occasion marking the Western Bulldogs’ historic premiership drought-breaking victory after 62 years. This partnership, which began as a professional association, blossomed into a deep and enduring friendship, a bond McAvaney cherishes. “While Dennis and I started our careers as colleagues, we ended as friends, and I am so grateful for that.”
The Art of the “Cometti-ism”
Dennis Cometti’s commentary was instantly recognisable, not just for his smooth delivery but for his signature phrases, or “Cometti-isms.” These memorable lines became ingrained in football folklore, often perfectly capturing the essence of a pivotal moment.
- “Centimetre perfect”: A phrase that encapsulated precision, often used for perfectly weighted kicks or passes.
- “Bobbing like a cork in the ocean”: Famously used to describe Peter Wilson’s improbable goal over his head in West Coast’s 1992 Grand Final win.
- “Cousins runs away from Carr – not for the first time”: A dry, witty observation on Ben Cousins’ evasive tactics.
- “He came up behind him like a librarian, he never heard him”: A brilliant description of Heath Shaw’s smother on Nick Riewoldt in the 2010 Grand Final replay.
- “Gaspar, the unfriendly post!”: A classic quip when Darren Gaspar’s shot rattled the goalpost.
- “The Cat is still on the back”: A memorable call for Tom Hawkins’ after-the-siren winner against Hawthorn.
- “Allowed two Geelong players to collide numerically”: A humorous take on a miscommunication between Hawthorn’s Matthew Suckling and two Geelong opponents.
A Career of Excellence and Versatility
Cometti’s broadcasting career was nothing short of remarkable, spanning over five decades and multiple networks. He was a constant presence in Australian sports broadcasting, moving seamlessly between ABC, Seven, Nine, 3AW, and Triple M. His ability to secure prominent roles regardless of the broadcast rights holder is a testament to his exceptional talent.
He called an incredible 51 seasons of AFL football across three television networks, beginning with the ABC in 1987 when they held the VFL rights. Beyond football, his cricket commentary, which included 13 years with the legendary Alan McGilvray on ABC radio, started with his first Test call at the young age of 23.
Eddie McGuire, a fellow commentator and former Collingwood president, lauded Cometti’s professionalism and wit. “Dennis was a complete joy to work with,” McGuire stated. “His ability to call the action accurately, find the right words for the moment, and ‘drop a trademark line’ put him at the top of commentary anywhere in the world.”
Gerard Healy, a Brownlow medallist and former colleague at Seven, echoed these sentiments. “Cometti was simply one of the best and a joy to work with. He turned good moments into great, and great moments into forever memorable.”
Beyond the Microphone: A Life in Sport
Cometti’s connection to sport ran deep. He was a talented footballer in his own right, playing 40 games for West Perth and being on the Footscray list in 1971. He also coached West Perth for three seasons. His contributions to the sporting world were formally recognised with inductions into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame and an Order of Australia award.
AFL CEO Andrew Dillon expressed the league’s profound sadness. “He brought our game to life with his commentary,” Dillon said. “He will be remembered so fondly by all at the AFL, whether it’s the turn of phrase he had or whether it was because you were a player who played with him, or whether he was a teammate you played with. I know the people who worked with him either in radio or TV, they just loved him. So it is a really sad day.”
Seven will honour Cometti’s extraordinary life and career with a documentary titled Centimetre Perfect, set to air later this year.
Dennis Cometti is survived by his wife Velia, son Mark, and daughter Ricki. His voice may be silenced, but the echoes of his legendary calls will resonate through Australian sporting history forever.
