Australian sports commentary legend Dennis Cometti has passed away at the age of 76, leaving a lasting impact on the world of Australian rules football. Born in Geraldton, Western Australia, Cometti's career in the media spanned an impressive 53 years, from 1968 to 2021. His final AFL match commentary was the 2021 Grand Final for Triple M, a radio station he joined in 2012 after stints at 3AW and the ABC. Cometti's exceptional calling ability is etched in AFL history, with countless memorable moments from his career. He also played 38 games and kicked 70 goals during his time at West Perth in the WAFL between 1967 and 1971. In 2020, Cometti was inducted into the Australian Football Hall of Fame, and he also holds a place in the Melbourne Cricket Club and AFMA Halls of Fame. Despite being listed as a senior player at Footscray, his media commitments and injuries prevented him from playing in the VFL. A special documentary, 'Centimetre Perfect', celebrating his career, was set to be released this year, paying homage to one of his memorable catchphrases. The AFL's CEO, Andrew Dillon, praised Cometti's commentary on the 2016 Grand Final, where the Western Bulldogs ended a 62-year premiership drought. Dillon highlighted Cometti's unique style, stating, 'Dennis’ call of that amazing game was simply perfect... whether it’s ’cork in the ocean’, ‘centimetre perfect’ or Buddy sprinting down the wing at the MCG.' Cometti's passing marks the end of an era in Australian sports commentary, leaving a void that will be difficult to fill.
