Tributes are flooding in from fans and fellow commentators after the death of Aussie broadcasting icon Dennis Cometti. The 76-year-old’s family announced his passing on Wednesday.

Best known for his AFL commentary, Cometti worked in the media for a whopping 53 years between 1968 and 2021. His last match as a commentator was the 2021 grand final between the Melbourne Demons and Western Bulldogs, which he called for Triple M.

Dennis Cometti and Bruce McAvaney.

Dennis Cometti is among Australia’s most legendary sporting commentators. Image: Channel 7/AAP

He also worked for Channel 7, Channel 9, ABC, 3AW and 6PR and is widely regarded as one of Australia’s best sporting commentators ever. Cometti also called Test cricket, as well as three summer Olympics – Barcelona in 1992, Atlanta in 1996 and Sydney in 2000.

He was behind the microphone when Kieren Perkins won his iconic gold medal in the 1500m at the Sydney Games. “Ladies and gentlemen, this is gold, the rarest form of gold,” he said.

He formed a legendary duo with fellow commentary icon Bruce McAvaney for a number of years on Channel 7 before McAvaney stepped away in 2016. All up they called over 450 games together.

He produced an iconic call in the 2010 grand final when Heath Shaw denied Nick Riewoldt a certain goal, saying: “He snuck up on him like a librarian. He never heard him.”

Cometti had a playing career with West Perth in the WAFL between 1967 and 1971, kicking 70 goals in 38 games before injuries forced him to retire. He was inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame in 2019, and the AFL Hall of Fame in 2020.

Dennis Cometti, pictured here interviewing Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson in 2014.

Dennis Cometti interviews Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson in 2014.
(Getty Images)

Tributes flow after death of Dennis Cometti

Fellow West Aussie and former Channel 7 colleague Ryan Daniels wrote on social media: “Shattering news this morning for all in the football community. The greatest caller our game has seen, a true icon.

“Dennis was not only brilliant, but thoughtful and generous toward all those lucky enough to be in his presence. Devastating, and thoughts with his family, and many friends, fans.”

The official AFL account wrote: “Known for his dry wit and inspired turn of phrase, Cometti retired in 2021 after a career that spanned 51 years and countless iconic one-liners. Vale, Dennis.”

The Richmond Football Club wrote: “A true icon of our great game, the Richmond Football Club is saddened by the passing of Dennis Cometti. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.”