Bruce Mcavaney: Dennis Cometti’s voice is the soundtrack to a generation of footy dreams
Dennis Cometti, the broadcaster who became the voice of the AFL for three decades, has died at 76 after a short battle with illness on Wednesday (ET). Hamish McLachlan paid tribute ahead of the season-opening clash between Sydney and Carlton at the SCG on Thursday evening (ET). A three-minute video will run at halftime and both teams will wear black armbands as a mark of respect — bruce mcavaney
Bruce Mcavaney: Live tributes on the eve of the season
Hamish McLachlan, broadcaster at Channel 7, delivered a heartfelt on-air tribute before the season opener, describing Cometti as “the broadcaster we all fell in love with. ” McLachlan said players enjoyed being called by Cometti, fans delighted in his voice, and that Cometti’s storytelling and distinctive tones made sporting moments bigger and, in some cases, iconic. “He was loved by so many and has left an enormous legacy. Den, rest in peace, ” McLachlan said while images of Cometti played.
The tribute will be formalised during the match with a three-minute video presentation at halftime and both sides wearing black armbands to honour Cometti’s contribution to the game.
Legacy: three decades, signature lines and defining calls
Cometti was renowned as arguably Australian football’s pre-eminent caller and was the voice of the AFL for three decades, spearheading Seven’s coverage until his retirement at the end of 2016. He coined memorable lines such as the phrase ‘centimetre perfect’ and delivered unforgettable commentary that became part of the soundtrack to major sporting moments.
Among the calls noted from his career: Cometti was behind the microphone for West Coast’s maiden premiership triumph in 1992, capturing Peter Wilson’s goal with the line “like a cork in the ocean. ” He also called Kieren Perkins’ gold-medal swim from lane 8 at the 1996 Atlanta Games, one of three Olympics Cometti worked, and contributed commentary across Test cricket, basketball and the WAFL.
What’s next: memorials, halftime honours and the season ahead
Clubs and the AFL community moved quickly to mark the loss on the eve of the new season, with an official three-minute halftime video and black armbands planned for the season-opening fixture at the SCG on Thursday evening (ET). Further commemorations and tributes are expected as the season progresses and broadcasters, players and fans reflect on Cometti’s influence.
The outpouring of messages and the planned on-field observances underline the scale of Cometti’s impact on Australian sport and broadcasting — bruce mcavaney
