Broadcasting legend and renowned AFL caller Dennis Cometti has been remembered as the “voice of football” following his death, aged 76.
Cometti, who commentated on AFL games for three decades until his retirement at the end of 2016, famously coined the phrase “centimetre perfect” as well as other memorable one-liners like: “He came up on him like a librarian, he never heard him.”
He was inducted into the Australian Football Hall of Fame in 2020.
Arguably the pre-eminent AFL caller, Cometti spearheaded Seven’s coverage of the AFL and also had a stint with Nine.
During his distinguished career, Cometti also covered Olympic Games, Test cricket and basketball.
He famously called Kieren Perkins’ win from Lane 8 at the 1996 Olympics.
When Optus Stadium opened in Perth in 2018, the media centre was named in his honour.
Other honours included being appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in 2019.
Born in Geraldton in 1949, Cometti played 40 WAFL games for West Perth before becoming coach of the club in 1982.
He then turned to broadcasting, first with the ABC for more than a decade, before making his most memorable mark with Seven.
After wrapping up on television in 2016, alongside long-time partner Bruce McAvaney for the grand final, Cometti continued to call games for radio station Triple M until 2021.
Countless tributes flowed for Cometti on Wednesday, with McAvaney describing Cometti as “the benchmark” for Australian sports broadcasters.
“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 said.
“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. In many ways he was the benchmark for all of those that are following in his footsteps. We are a nation who prides itself in having so many of the all-time great sport commentators, and he was up there with the very best of them.
“Perhaps the most impressive thing about Dennis is that through his calling, he made footballers famous. That’s a gift.”
McAvaney said personally he had “lost something truly precious”.
“We shared an extraordinary journey,” he said.
“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.
“While Dennis and I started our careers as colleagues, we ended as friends and I am so grateful for that.”
AFL boss Andrew Dillon cited the 2016 decider as a “simply perfect” call and thanked Cometti for bringing “excitement into homes” of all fans.
“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,” 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.”
WA Premier Roger Cook said the state had “lost a legend”.
“I’m deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Dennis Cometti AM, and my heart goes out to his family and friends. Dennis was a familiar face — and voice — on our TV screens and airwaves for decades,” he wrote.
“Born in Geraldton to Italian migrants, Dennis was the embodiment of an Australian success story. Humble beginnings, hard work, and an extraordinary life built on talent and passion.
“When it came to calling a footy game, nobody did it better. He truly was the voice of football.
“Before becoming one of the most widely respected voices in Australian sport, Cometti had a proud WAFL career with West Perth Football Club, where he played and coached with the same passion he later brought to the commentary box.
“His honours were many: a member of the Sport Australia Hall of Fame, appointed to the Order of Australia, and an 11-time AFMA television broadcaster of the year.
“From generations of Australians — thank you for the memories, the laughter and the magic.”
State Opposition leader Basil Zempilas — who was a colleague of Cometti’s for many years at Seven — echoed the sentiment of his political rival.
“What an incredible privilege to have known Den, to have worked with him and to have been able to call him a friend,” Mr Zempilas said.
“We were all so proud of Den. He was one of a kind. The best in the business, incredibly gifted and dedicated to his craft and such a warm, caring person.
“Den you will be missed, but never forgotten. You had such a profound impact on so many. Especially me.
“Go well my friend and thank you for everything. My deepest condolences, to Velia, Ricki and Mark.”