The world of sports broadcasting has lost one of its brightest stars. Dennis Cometti, the legendary voice behind countless iconic sporting moments, has passed away at the age of 76. His family confirmed the news, leaving fans and colleagues alike in a state of profound sorrow.
Cometti’s career spanned decades and multiple sports, but he was best known for his unparalleled work as a VFL/AFL commentator on television. From 1986 until his retirement 35 years later, his distinctive voice became synonymous with Australian football, bringing games to life with wit, warmth, and an uncanny ability to capture the essence of every moment. But here’s where it gets even more remarkable: before dominating the airwaves, Cometti was a talented footballer himself, playing 40 matches for West Perth in the WAFL until injuries cut short his playing career in 1971.
ABC presenter Mark Gibson struggled to hold back tears as he shared the news on Perth radio, calling Cometti “a legend of this state in broadcasting, in sports, in media, and a much-loved member of the community.” Gibson added, “Dennis has been unwell for several years, but this is still a great, great loss for Western Australia.”
Cometti’s journey in broadcasting began at the ABC in 1972, where he spent over a decade as a cricket commentator, calling Test matches with the same flair he would later bring to football. In 1986, he made the leap to Channel Seven, where he became a household name for his AFL coverage. His versatility was unmatched—he also broadcast three Summer Olympic Games (Barcelona 1992, Atlanta 1996, and Sydney 2000), proving there was no sport he couldn’t master.
In recognition of his contributions, Cometti was inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame in 2019 and the Australian Football Hall of Fame a year later. Retiring AFL Commission chair Richard Goyder praised Cometti’s ability to amplify historic moments, particularly alongside his long-time colleague Bruce McAvaney. “Dennis was a voice for our game for more than 50 years,” Goyder said. “He made every moment fun and memorable. Whether it was cricket, the Olympics, or football, he was a master of his craft.”
And this is the part most people miss: Cometti wasn’t just a broadcaster; he was a mentor and a community figure. WA Opposition Leader Basil Zempilas, a former colleague at Seven, recalled Cometti’s generosity and warmth. “He had a rare ability to make everyone feel important,” Zempilas said. “Whether it was in a coffee shop or at the airport, he’d take the time to connect with people. He was funny, warm, and genuinely cared about others.”
Zempilas also highlighted Cometti’s impact on the next generation of broadcasters and athletes, suggesting he deserved a state funeral for his service to the nation. “He was held in such high regard,” Zempilas said. “But ultimately, that decision rests with his family. Dennis was ours in many ways, but he was Velia’s, Ricki’s, and Mark’s first and foremost.”
WA Premier Roger Cook echoed the sentiment, calling Cometti “an icon of sport in Western Australia and a legend of the AFL.” He added, “Dennis has been part of all our lives. His phrases are etched into football history, and he’ll be dearly missed.”
Cometti’s legacy isn’t just in the moments he called—it’s in the lives he touched. But here’s a thought-provoking question: In an era of rapidly changing media, can we ever replace a voice as unique and beloved as Dennis Cometti’s? Share your thoughts in the comments—do you think his style of broadcasting is a relic of the past, or is there still room for such personalities in today’s sports media landscape?
