Dennis Cometti: The Legendary Voice That Echoed Across Australia's Biggest Sporting Arenas
From the humble grounds of East Fremantle Oval to the majestic colosseum of the Melbourne Cricket Ground and onto the global spectacle of the Olympic Games, Dennis Cometti's unparalleled talent as a broadcaster took him on a journey not just across Australia but around the world. His voice became synonymous with some of the most monumental sporting events in history, capturing the hearts of millions. We explore the standout moments from the career of a true once-in-a-lifetime talent, whose legacy continues to resonate in the world of sports commentary.
The 1992 AFL Grand Final: A Historic West Australian Triumph
One of the most significant days in West Australian sport was perfectly narrated by one of its greatest sons. As the West Coast Eagles made AFL history by becoming the first non-Victorian team to win a premiership, Cometti was behind the microphone at the MCG. With over 95,000 fans in attendance and millions watching nationwide, his call of Peter Wilson's crucial third-quarter goal, famously described as "like a cork in the ocean," remains etched in the memories of sports enthusiasts for generations.
The 2016 AFL Grand Final: A Fitting Farewell to a Broadcasting Icon
The 2016 AFL Grand Final stands out as one of the most memorable in recent history, marking both the end of a 62-year premiership drought for the Western Bulldogs and the conclusion of Dennis Cometti's illustrious television career. This game also brought the curtain down on the iconic pairing of Cometti and Bruce McAvaney, with McAvaney delivering an emotional tribute post-game. He praised Cometti's gift and legacy, noting that for over three decades, he had enriched the lives of millions of Australians every football season.
The 2021 AFL Grand Final: A Fairytale Finish in Perth
Despite the challenges of a Covid-ravaged season that saw the AFL Grand Final relocated to Perth, the 2021 decider provided a fairytale ending for one of the game's greatest callers. After retiring from television in 2016, Cometti returned to Western Australia to join TripleM's local broadcast team. His final call was not just any routine match but an AFL grand final, adding a poetic touch to his storied career as he commentated from his home state.
Second Test 1975: Australia vs the West Indies – A Cricket Highlight
While Australia dominated most of the six-test series against the West Indies in 1975, it was the one loss—a West Indies victory in Perth—that Cometti recalled as one of his favourite cricket matches. Joining the ABC cricket broadcast team in 1973 and working alongside the legendary Alan McGilvray until 1985, Cometti called numerous Ashes series and other key moments. However, the impact of that West Indies win stood out, as he reflected on the profound consequences of his commentary, sharing insights on the Howie Games Podcast in 2016.
The 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games: A Global Stage for Brilliance
Dennis Cometti showcased his versatility and brilliance on the world stage during the Olympic Games, particularly in swimming at the 1992, 1996, and 2000 events. He called some of Australia's greatest moments, such as Ian Thorpe's dramatic gold medal win in the 4 x 100 Freestyle final and Kieren Perkins' stunning victory in the 1500m final. In an interview with Mark Howard, Cometti highlighted the Atlanta Games as his favourite, noting it was a time when Australia re-emerged as a sporting power, and his calling captured that resurgence perfectly.
Don't miss the comprehensive 16-page tribute to Dennis Cometti in tomorrow's edition of The West Australian, celebrating the man, the voice, and the legend who defined an era in sports broadcasting.
