Dennis Cometti's Secret Health Battle Revealed After Legendary Commentator's Death
Legendary Australian football commentator Dennis Cometti was privately battling Alzheimer's disease and a severe form of dementia before his death at age 76, with his family choosing to keep his health struggles a closely guarded secret. The beloved broadcaster, whose decorated media career spanned five remarkable decades, passed away with his family maintaining privacy about his declining health condition.
A Career Defined by Wit and Timing
Cometti has been remembered across Australia's sporting community for his exceptional broadcasting career, marked by his quick wit, perfect timing, and unique ability to connect with football fans nationwide. His signature "Cometti-isms" - including phrases like "centimetre perfect" and "he came up behind him like a librarian" - became integral parts of Australian football's lexicon and cultural fabric.
Final Public Appearance and Rapid Decline
Despite his health deteriorating rapidly in recent years, Cometti managed to attend one final AFL game before his passing. He was present at the State of Origin clash between Victoria and Western Australia in Perth on February 14, marking what would become his last public appearance at a football event.
Close friend and former colleague Basil Zempilas, who also serves as Western Australia's Opposition Leader, spoke about the family's decision to keep Cometti's condition private. "No one wanted to see him that way and we knew him as that great orator, that incredible personality, that wonderful smile and that wit," Zempilas explained. "He wasn't able to be that person in the last year or so, so there is some mercy to all of this."
Industry Tributes Pour In
News of Cometti's passing prompted an immediate outpouring of tributes from across Australia's sporting and media industries, with many describing him as "the best in the business." Long-time commentary partner Bruce McAvaney, who shared the microphone with Cometti for nearly 450 AFL matches, led the emotional tributes to his friend and colleague.
"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. "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."
McAvaney emphasized Cometti's unique talent, noting that "perhaps the most impressive thing about Dennis is that through his calling, he made footballers famous. That's a gift." He added that Australia's sporting industry had lost somebody "truly precious."
From Footballer to Broadcasting Legend
Born in Geraldton, Western Australia, Cometti began his sporting journey as a football player, competing in 40 matches for West Perth in the WAFL before transitioning to a full-time broadcasting career. His media journey started at the ABC in 1972, where he worked until 1985 before joining Channel Seven in 1986. He spent most of the next three decades at Seven, with additional stints at Nine Network, 3AW, and Triple M.
Cometti retired from full-time commentary in 2016 but called his final AFL game in 2021 when the grand final was held in Perth due to COVID-19 restrictions in Melbourne. Beyond football, his broadcasting excellence extended to covering three Summer Olympic Games - Barcelona in 1992, Atlanta in 1996, and Sydney in 2000 - achievements that contributed to his later induction into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame.
Legacy and Memorial Considerations
AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon paid tribute to Cometti's "incredible turns of phrase" and his unique ability to "bring our game to life through his commentary." Zempilas confirmed he would support a state funeral being staged for Cometti in Western Australia, though the final decision will rest with the commentator's family.
A documentary celebrating Cometti's remarkable career, appropriately titled 'Centimetre Perfect' after one of his most famous phrases, is scheduled to air on Seven and 7plus Sport later this year, ensuring his legacy continues to inspire future generations of broadcasters and football fans alike.
