The Seven Network has paid tribute to legendary sports broadcaster Dennis Cometti AM, who has died aged 76, remembering the long-time AFL caller as one of the defining voices of Australian sport.
Cometti spent 26 years with Seven across two stints – first from 1986 to 2001, and again from 2007 until his final match on the network, the 2016 AFL Grand Final on 1 October 2016.
Across that period, his sharp wit, unmistakable delivery and knack for perfectly timed one-liners helped shape some of the most memorable moments in modern AFL broadcasting.
Starting his media career as a radio announcer in Perth in 1968 – while also juggling a playing career with West Perth in the Western Australian Football League (WAFL) – Cometti quickly established himself as one of Australia’s most distinctive sports callers.
His television career would later span decades and multiple networks, but it was at Seven where his voice became synonymous with some of the game’s biggest moments.
A voice that defined footy’s biggest moments
Separate to his AFL achievements, Cometti also played a key role in Seven’s Olympic coverage, calling three Summer Games – Barcelona 1992, Atlanta 1996 and Sydney 2000.
During those broadcasts, Australians heard him narrate some of the nation’s most iconic sporting triumphs, including gold medal performances from Susie O’Neill, Kieren Perkins and Ian Thorpe.
However, it was in the AFL commentary box where Cometti’s influence was most keenly felt.
Between 2007 and 2016, his partnership with fellow Seven broadcaster Bruce McAvaney became one of the most respected commentary duos in world sport. Across nearly 450 matches, their chemistry and ability to capture big moments helped define a golden era of AFL broadcasting.
McAvaney said Cometti’s talent extended well beyond his famous wit.
“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.
“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 who are following in his footsteps. We are a nation that 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,” he said.
From colleagues to lifelong friends
McAvaney also reflected on their long personal and professional relationship, spanning decades in the commentary box.
“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.
“While Dennis and I started our careers as colleagues, we ended as friends, and I am so grateful for that.”
‘A world-class caller’
Seven Network Head of AFL and Sport Innovation Gary O’Keeffe said Cometti’s impact on the sport and the industry would be felt for generations.
“While Den will forever be remembered for his iconic one-liners, he was by any measure a world-class caller who has entertained sports fans – especially footy fans – across the whole nation and all over the world.
“More importantly, off-camera, Dennis was a world-class person. Everyone who had the opportunity to meet and work alongside him walked away a better person. His impact will be felt far and wide across the industry. We are so lucky to have known him.
“When we think back to some of the greatest moments in footy folklore, Dennis has more than likely provided the soundtrack. It’s hard to imagine anyone else in world sport who could so brilliantly and so succinctly capture the moment.
“We will forever remember when Peter Wilson bobbed up like a cork in the ocean, and Heath Shaw snuck up behind Nick Riewoldt like a librarian. Perhaps none more iconic than when the western suburbs erupted over Tom Boyd’s goal in the 2016 Grand Final – the last AFL goal Dennis called on television.
“On behalf of everyone at the Seven Network and particularly our sport department who have worked so closely with Den over his incredible career, we send our thoughts to his wife Velia, and children, Ricki and Mark, at this incredibly difficult time.”
Seven will acknowledge Cometti’s extraordinary career during tomorrow night’s Opening Round match between the Sydney Swans and Carlton at the SCG.
Main image: Dennis Cometti AM and Bruce McAvaney. Source: Seven