Dennis Cometti, the revered Australian rules football commentator known for his erudite wit and flawless timing, has died at the age of 76. Cometti’s career spanned more than three decades, during which he called some of the most iconic moments in AFL history, including the 1989 grand final between Hawthorn and Geelong, where he maintained composure amid chaos, and the 1992 grand final’s match-turning goal by Peter Wilson.
Cometti’s distinctive style set him apart from his peers. Unlike many commentators who were former VFL players, Cometti had played and coached in the WAFL and brought a literary, almost Wildean quality to his broadcasts. He was known for his meticulous preparation, often carrying colour-coded notes, yet he would patiently wait for the perfect moment to deliver a one-liner that could have been years in the making.
Beyond football, Cometti excelled in other sports. He was a highly regarded cricket caller and covered the Olympics, most memorably commentating on Kieren Perkins’s emotional 1500m freestyle victory at the 1996 Atlanta Games. His partnership with Bruce McAvaney on Channel 7 was particularly celebrated, as their contrasting styles—McAvaney’s exuberance and Cometti’s calm precision—complemented each other seamlessly.
Despite his fame and extensive travels, Cometti remained deeply rooted in his past. He continued to live in the Perth house where he grew up, a home that became a symbol of his grounded nature. His father, James, the son of an Italian immigrant, died suddenly when Cometti was 18, a loss that shaped his life and career.
Tributes have poured in from across the sporting world, with many recalling Cometti’s ability to elevate every moment he called. As the late commentator Tony Charlton once said, a great commentator should “produce words like bubbles in champagne.” Cometti did precisely that, leaving behind a legacy that will be replayed for generations.
