Beloved sports broadcaster Dennis Cometti, who coined some of the AFL’s most memorable phrases, has died aged 76.

Cometti’s distinguished career spanned more than half a century across a range of sports but he was best known for his work as an AFL commentator, where his dulcet tones and quick wit made him a household name.

“Cometti-isms” such as “centimetre perfect”, “went in optimistically, came out misty-optically” and “he came up behind him like a librarian” became part of the footy lexicon.

Revered AFL commentator Dennis Cometti has passed away aged 76.

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. pic.twitter.com/7Q0TM7Qh9D

— AFL (@AFL) March 4, 2026

Born in Geraldton in Western Australia, Cometti played 40 matches for West Perth in the WAFL before launching into a full-time broadcasting career.

He worked for the ABC from 1972 to 1985, where he broadcast his first Test cricket match aged 23.

Cometti joined Seven in 1986 and spent the better part of the next three decades at the network, also serving stints at Nine, 3AW and Triple M.

Along with long-time commentary partner Bruce McAvaney, he called some of the AFL’s most memorable moments.

He retired from full-time commentary in 2016 and called his final AFL game in 2021 when the grand final was held in Perth.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by St Kilda Football Club (@stkildafc)

Cometti, who covered three Summer Olympic Games – 1992 in Barcelona, 1996 in Atlanta and 2000 in Sydney – was inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame and a member of the Order of Australia.

AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon said he was a legend of the game, paying tribute to Cometti’s “incredible turns of phrase”.

“I think what he’ll be best remembered for from a footy point of view is just the way that he brought our game to life through his commentary,” Dillon told reporters.

“It’s a really sad day for the AFL, for the Cometti family. Our condolences go out to them and he will be remembered so fondly by all at the AFL.”

McAvaney said in a statement that he had shared “an extraordinary journey” with Cometti and felt like he had lost something “truly precious”.

“While Dennis and I started our careers as colleagues, we ended as friends and I am so grateful for that.”

McAvaney said Cometti brought joy into people’s lives.

“How many times did he make us laugh and smile? We would sit there and think, ‘How did he think of that?’

“He leaves a legacy that is undeniable, unique, and authentic. In many ways he was the benchmark for all of those that are following in his footsteps.”

AFL clubs have shared tributes on social media, including St Kilda, which described Cometti as “one of the greatest callers in the history of our game and an icon to so many across the country”.

GWS Giants also called him an icon, posting on Instagram that he  defined many of Australia’s most treasured sporting moments.

–AAP