Australian sports broadcasting has lost one of its most recognisable voices. Legendary commentator Dennis Cometti, celebrated for decades of sharp, distinctive calls across Australian sport, has died aged 76, his family confirmed.
Cometti covered a wide range of events, but he was best known for his work calling VFL and AFL on television from 1986 through to his retirement more than three decades later. His delivery, timing and style helped define how generations of fans experienced the game, particularly across Western Australia and beyond.
The news was shared on Perth radio by ABC presenter Mark Gibson, who described Cometti as a much-loved figure in broadcasting, sport and media. Gibson said Cometti had been unwell for several years and called his passing a significant loss for Western Australia.
From WAFL player to a national voice
Before becoming a household name behind the microphone, Cometti also played the game. The Western Australian featured in 40 matches for West Perth in the WAFL, before injuries curtailed his playing prospects, including the chance of a VFL career in 1971.
He moved into broadcasting soon after, joining the ABC in 1972. During his years there, he became known for calm authority and quick wit, including calling Test cricket for more than a decade before switching networks for football coverage.
AFL commentary that shaped an era
Cometti’s move to the Seven Network in 1986 cemented his status as one of the most influential AFL broadcasters of his generation. Across countless matches, his commentary became synonymous with major moments — balancing clear, precise description with humour that never overwhelmed the play.
For supporters, his voice did more than narrate the action. It captured momentum swings, the theatre of big crowds, and the emotional edge that defines elite football, making his calls instantly memorable long after the final siren.
Olympics and broader sporting legacy
While football remained his signature, Cometti’s resume extended well beyond the AFL. He also contributed to coverage of three Summer Olympic Games: Barcelona 1992, Atlanta 1996 and Sydney 2000, reinforcing his reputation as a versatile broadcaster across multiple sports.
Honours and recognition
Cometti’s contribution to Australian sport was formally recognised in recent years. He was inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame in 2019, followed by induction into the Australian Football Hall of Fame in 2020.
More coverage and updates on the breaking news have been published by ABC News.
As tributes continue, Cometti is being remembered as a defining storyteller of Australian sport — a voice that accompanied decades of unforgettable moments and helped shape the sound of modern football for audiences across the country.
