- Died aged 76, fan favourite with countless AFL supporters
The footy world is mourning the death of legendary television commentator Dennis Cometti aged 76.
In a revered media career which spanned across five decades, Cometti was renowned for his quick wit and exceptional timing.
One of his signature sayings when calling AFL games was ‘centimetre perfect,’ which became a favourite with many fans.
He joined ABC radio in 1972 and was on their books until 1985 before jumping ship to Channel Seven in 1986.
Cometti also covered three Summer Olympics – 1992 in Barcelona, Atlanta 1996 and the Sydney Games in 2000 – for Channel Seven before joining Channel Nine between 2002 and 2006 to call football.
He returned to Channel Seven in 2007, where he again paired with close friend and fellow commentator Bruce McAvaney.
The footy world is mourning the death of legendary television commentator Dennis Cometti aged 76
Cometti won numerous awards during his broadcasting career, including an Order of Australia in 2019 – he was also a Sport Australia Hall of Fame inductee (pictured)
Daily Mail understands Cometti and McAvaney called more than 500 games together.
When asked about a public poll which revealed he was the AFL’s most popular commentator during the 2014 season, Cometti replied: ‘It’s certainly better than the alternative.’
‘When people (in the street) approach me they are (usually) fantastic.’
Cometti also featured on radio, notably stints with 3AW and Triple M, including his final game, the 2021 AFL Grand Final won by the Melbourne Demons.
He won numerous awards during his decorated broadcasting career, including an Order of Australia in 2019, 11 Australian Football Media Association accolades as best caller, and was also a Sport Australia Hall of Fame inductee.
Additionally, Cometti was inducted into the Australian Football Hall of Fame in 2020.
‘The legacy that he will leave above all the other things is that iconic one-liner – ‘centimetre perfect’ – it summed everything up brilliantly and made us all smile,’ McAvaney following Cometti’s induction.
‘There are a lot of very good commentators, many that have come before Dennis and there will be a lot that come after him, but I really believe he’s the benchmark.
‘Of all the people that have called the game, Dennis created an aura about himself and an excellence that does stand alone, and for that he should be very proud.’
A documentary celebrating Cometti’s career, appropriately titled ‘Centimetre Perfect’, is due to air on Seven and 7plus Sport later this year.