Dennis Cometti: A Legendary Voice in Sports Broadcasting
Dennis Cometti's distinctive voice has provided the soundtrack to countless iconic sporting moments throughout his storied broadcasting career. Known for his witty quips and clever commentary, Cometti has left an indelible mark on Australian sports media. From AFL grand finals to Olympic triumphs, his calls have become part of the fabric of sporting history, resonating with fans across generations.
Unforgettable Calls That Defined an Era
Cometti's ability to capture the essence of a moment with humor and precision is legendary. One of his most famous lines came during the 1992 AFL grand final, when he described Peter Wilson's spectacular goal: "Like a cork in the ocean, over his head... oh, my word!" This call perfectly encapsulated the drama and skill of the play, showcasing Cometti's knack for vivid imagery.
In the 1996 Olympics, his commentary on Kieren Perkins' unlikely gold medal win in the 1500m freestyle was equally memorable: "This is rare gold. The best kind of gold." Cometti's words added to the emotional weight of Perkins' victory, highlighting his talent for elevating significant sporting achievements.
Wit and Humor in the Commentary Box
Cometti's clever wordplay often turned ordinary moments into memorable ones. After Tony Liberatore emerged from a contest looking worse for wear, he quipped: "He went in optimistically and came out misty optically." This line demonstrated his quick thinking and ability to inject humor into the broadcast.
Another standout moment occurred in 2004 during a clash between Port Adelaide's Josh Carr and Fremantle's Matthew Carr, both wearing the number 9 jersey. Cometti remarked: "How's that - a two-Carr collision, both with the same rego!" His playful analogy delighted viewers and showcased his unique style.
Iconic AFL Moments and Calls
Cometti's commentary was integral to many AFL highlights. In 2003, he captured Chris Judd's extraordinary performance with the call: "Guess who? Could he do it again? Five in a half, I think so!" This line celebrated Judd's dominance and added excitement to the game.
He also provided memorable descriptions for Lance Franklin's Goal of the Year in 2010: "Can he do it again? He can't bounce it through, so he kicks it through on the full." Additionally, his call of Heath Shaw's chase-down smother in the 2010 grand final replay—"He came up behind him like a librarian"—became an instant classic for its humorous analogy.
Celebrating Greatness and Drama
Cometti had a talent for highlighting player skills in creative ways. When describing Simon Black's contested possessions, he said: "A lot of talk these days is about 'inside players'. Well, as we saw there, if Simon Black was any more inside, he'd be a pancreas." This line humorously emphasized Black's prowess in tight situations.
In 2013, his call after Hawthorn ended the 'Kennett Curse' against Geelong was both clever and poignant: "Get a hearse for the curse." It marked a significant moment in AFL history with a touch of wit.
A Fitting Finale
Cometti's final TV call for Seven in the 2016 grand final was a masterclass in building tension. Describing Tom Boyd's pivotal goal, he said: "How will it bounce? The stadium holds its breath. It's a goal. And the western suburbs erupt." This call encapsulated the drama and emotion of the moment, providing a perfect end to his illustrious broadcasting career.
Dennis Cometti's legacy as a commentary legend is built on these iconic calls and many more. His unique blend of humor, insight, and timing has made him a beloved figure in Australian sports, with his words continuing to echo in the memories of fans nationwide.
