Dennis Cometti, the celebrated Australian Rules Football (AFL) commentator whose sharp wit and distinctive turns of phrase earned him a place in the nation's sporting folklore, has died at the age of 76. Cometti, known for his ability to deliver clever, often humorous one-liners, known affectionately as 'Cometti-isms', was a fixture of AFL broadcasts for over five decades, including more than forty years on television, primarily with Channel 7.
His passing marks the end of an era for sports commentary, leaving a void noted by colleagues and fans alike. The impact of his unique style resonated beyond mere game-calling, embedding itself in the cultural memory of the sport. Colleagues, such as Bruce McAvaney, have publicly acknowledged the loss, stating they "lost something truly precious."
Cometti's commentary was characterized by its unpredictability and observational genius. He possessed a knack for crafting phrases that were both precise and unexpectedly droll, often capturing the essence of a moment with remarkable brevity. These 'Cometti-isms' were not merely spoken; they were cultivated and delivered with a flair that set him apart. Readers and viewers have responded overwhelmingly, sharing their personal favourite examples of his linguistic artistry in the wake of his death.
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A QUIVER OF WIT
Cometti himself never shied away from the crafted nature of his commentary, acknowledging he kept a repertoire of remarks ready for deployment. This deliberate approach, however, never diminished the spontaneity and impact of his best lines. The sheer volume of recollections from fans underscores the lasting impression his commentary had on the viewing experience.
"A true Cometti-ism has to live off the land, survey the scene and strike … in such a fashion that it near takes your breath away with the cleverness of it all."
His ability to observe a situation and respond with a perfectly timed, often surprising, observation became his hallmark. Whether it was a player's action or the flow of the game, Cometti found the angle that others missed.
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FROM THE COMMENTARY BOX: MEMORABLE LINES
Among the many recalled 'Cometti-isms' are:
"Liberatore went into that last pack optimistically, and came out misty optically." – A description of an injury to Tony Liberatore.
"Wilson, like a cork in the ocean, over his head, oh my word!" – Referring to a goal by Peter Wilson in the 1992 Grand Final.
"Remember the name: Y-Z-E – terrific young player, bad Scrabble hand." – About Adem Yze.
"Bell bringing the ball out of the back line, looking for wide runners. Never short of a word, but always succinct in what he was saying." – Commenting on Peter Bell.
"the Hawks are attacking alphabetically." – A metaphorical observation.
"When Anthony Rocca backs into a pack, he beeps." – On the build of player Anthony Rocca.
"It's an inverted comma!" – Describing a player, Nick Kommer, being flipped in a tackle.
"Shaun Rehn has been terrific again today but look at him, he's paid a price. But with their luck, they'd probably miss." – A jab at a team's errant kicking.
"Spider had both his legs taken out from under him, leaving only the other six to balance on." – Following a heavy landing for Peter 'Spida' Everitt.
"He should've heard the Norm Smiths jangling!" – When Luke Hodge made an unnoticed tackle.
"There's Anthony Koutoufides, more vowels than possessions today." – A play on the name of Anthony Koutoufides.
"He crept up behind him like a librarian - he never heard him coming!" – On Heath Shaw's smother of Nick Riewoldt.
"Lovett went one way, Murray went the other and they were left chasing the hyphen!" – Describing Nathan Lovett-Murray evading tackles.
"It was a two car collision, and they had the same rego!" – Following a collision between brothers Josh and Matt Carr.
LEGACY IN BROADCASTING
Cometti was also recognised for his work beyond the AFL, including Olympic broadcasts. His distinctive voice and unique commentary style became synonymous with some of the AFL's most significant moments. The 7NEWS app noted his passing, with figures like Basil Zempilas paying tribute. His career spanned over 50 years, a testament to his enduring presence and appeal in the media landscape. His passing at 76 leaves a significant mark on Australian sports broadcasting.