A legend lost: Dennis Cometti's passing leaves a void in sports commentary.
The sports world is in mourning as the iconic Dennis Cometti, a beloved figure in AFL and sports commentary, has passed away at the age of 76. His unique voice and witty remarks have left an indelible mark on the industry, and his legacy will forever be etched in the hearts of sports enthusiasts.
Cometti's journey as a sports commentator spanned an impressive five decades. His deep, resonant voice, coupled with his trademark humor, made him a household name, especially in the world of AFL. However, his talents extended beyond football, as he also lent his expertise to cricket and other sports, showcasing his versatility.
One of the most iconic partnerships in sports commentary was undoubtedly between Cometti and Bruce McAvaney. Their dynamic duo set new standards for AFL coverage, becoming the benchmark for all subsequent commentary teams. Their collaboration on Seven's coverage became a staple for sports fans until Cometti's retirement in 2016.
But here's where it gets interesting: Cometti's career as a commentator was preceded by an impressive playing and coaching career in the WAFL. He played for and coached West Perth, and even had a brief stint with Footscray (now the Western Bulldogs) in the VFL. His understanding of the game from both perspectives added depth to his commentary, making him an invaluable asset.
Cometti's style was unique, known for his signature one-liners that became synonymous with his name. Phrases like "centimetre perfect" and "bobbing like a cork in the ocean" became iconic, with the latter delivered after a memorable goal by Peter Wilson of West Coast in the 1992 grand final.
Eddie McGuire, a noted broadcaster and long-serving Collingwood president, described Cometti as "a complete joy to work with." McGuire praised Cometti's ability to capture the action accurately, choose the perfect words for each moment, and deliver his trademark lines, solidifying his position as one of the best commentators in the world.
McGuire recalled Cometti's description of Ben Cousins, a champion player for West Coast, as "Cousins runs away from Carr - not for the first time," a comment that perfectly captured the moment.
Another memorable moment came in the 2010 grand final replay when Heath Shaw of Collingwood smothered a seemingly easy goal by St Kilda's Nick Riewoldt. Cometti's description, "He came up behind him like a librarian, he never heard him," perfectly captured the surprise and skill involved.
Cometti's commentary was more than just one-liners. As McGuire put it, "He had a deep and abiding love for the game." His passion and knowledge added depth to his work, making him a respected figure in the industry.
Gerard Healy, a Brownlow medallist who worked with Cometti at Seven, echoed these sentiments, saying, "Cometti was simply one of the best and a joy to work with. He turned good moments into great, and great moments into forever memorable."
Cometti's talents were recognized with his induction into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame and his membership in the Order of Australia. His skills were so highly regarded that when broadcast rights changed hands between Seven and Nine, he was always assured of a leading role, regardless of the network.
He worked with various media outlets, including the ABC, Seven, Nine, 3AW, and Triple M, covering not only cricket and football but also the Olympics. Cometti called an impressive 51 seasons of football across these networks, mainly with Seven and Nine, but also with the ABC when they held the rights to the VFL in 1987.
Andrew Dillon, the AFL CEO, expressed his sadness at Cometti's passing, offering condolences to his family and friends. "He brought our game to life with his commentary," Dillon said. "He will be fondly remembered by all at the AFL, whether it's for his unique turns of phrase, his time as a player, or his impact as a teammate."
Cometti's famous one-liners, known as Cometti-isms, have become a part of football folklore. His commentary has become the soundtrack to many of the game's most famous moments, capturing the excitement and drama.
One such moment was his exclamation, "The Cat is still on the back," marking Tom Hawkins' dramatic after-the-siren goal for Geelong, sinking Hawthorn. This moment remains a fond memory for many Cats supporters, especially after their team's ninth consecutive win over their 2008 grand final conquerors.
In an earlier game, Cometti quipped that Matthew Suckling of Hawthorn had "allowed two Geelong players to collide numerically," referring to Taylor Hunt and Steve Johnson, who wore numbers 19 and 20, after an unsuccessful tackle attempt.
His description of the moment leading up to Tom Boyd's long bomb goal in the 2016 Western Bulldogs' drought-breaking premiership captured the suspense and excitement, with his words, "How will it bounce? The stadium holds its breath. It's a goal. And the western suburbs erupt."
While Cometti is best known for his football commentary, he also made his mark in cricket. He worked alongside the legendary Alan McGilvray on the ABC for 13 years, calling his first Test at the age of 23, making him the youngest commentator in the public broadcaster's history. He was also part of Seven's team for the 1997 series in South Africa.
Cometti's talent as a footballer is also worth noting. He played 40 games for West Perth and was on Footscray's list in 1971, although he didn't play a senior match. He coached West Perth for three seasons from 1982 to 1984, achieving finishes of third, sixth, and sixth.
Dennis Cometti's passing leaves a void in the world of sports commentary. His unique style, wit, and passion will be sorely missed. As we reflect on his legacy, we are reminded of the impact he had on the game and the industry. Rest in peace, Dennis Cometti.
What are your favorite memories of Dennis Cometti's commentary? Share your thoughts and let's celebrate his remarkable career together.
