Dennis Cometti

Dennis Cometti
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Name	Dennis Cometti
Birth date	1949-09-24
Birth place	Perth, Western Australia
Occupation	Sports commentator, radio presenter, television personality
Years active	1960s–2017

Dennis Cometti Dennis Cometti is an Australian former sports commentator and media personality noted for his long career in Australian rules football broadcasting, radio presentation and television work. He became a prominent voice across networks and stations, covering competitions such as the Australian Football League and organisations including the Seven Network and Nine Network. Cometti's career intersected with players, coaches and administrators from clubs like West Perth Football Club, West Coast Eagles, Carlton Football Club and Collingwood Football Club.

Early life and education

Cometti was born in Perth, Western Australia and grew up in the western suburbs during the post-war period alongside contemporaries from local communities and schools that fed into Western Australian sporting life. He attended local secondary institutions and was involved with junior sport in Western Australia, where clubs such as East Fremantle Football Club and Subiaco Football Club formed part of the regional sporting culture. Influences during his formative years included broadcasters and journalists working for outlets like the Australian Broadcasting Corporation and newspapers such as The West Australian, which shaped media pathways for Western Australian youths interested in radio and television careers.

Playing and early media career

Before establishing himself as a commentator, Cometti played Australian rules football at amateur and semi-professional levels and had brief affiliations with clubs in the West Australian Football League, where names like South Fremantle Football Club and Perth Football Club featured in the local competition. Transitioning into media, he joined radio stations that were central to Australian broadcasting history, including opportunities involving networks such as the Australian Radio Network and local Perth stations that fed content to national outlets. Early assignments saw him work alongside personalities who later became prominent in Australian media, including presenters connected to Seven Network and commentators associated with the Nine Network.

Australian rules football commentary

Cometti is best known for his commentary of Australian rules football, covering premiership seasons, finals series and grand finals for the Australian Football League and the former Victorian Football League. He worked on television broadcasts for the Seven Network and the Nine Network during eras that featured personalities such as Bruce McAvaney, Billy Brownless, Tony Charlton and Brian Taylor. His commentary partnership and on-air rapport connected him to colour commentators, umpires, coaches and players from clubs like Hawthorn Football Club, Essendon Football Club, Geelong Football Club and Richmond Football Club. Cometti called major matches including AFL grand finals and State of Origin events tied to the AFL Commission and historical competitions involving teams such as the Sydney Swans and Adelaide Football Club.

Broadcasting style and catchphrases

Cometti developed a distinctive broadcasting style characterised by succinct phrasing, inventive metaphors and timing that commentators and listeners compared to established voices such as Ron Casey and Gerald Stone. He was noted for deploying witty lines and catchphrases during play that referenced cultural touchstones and prominent figures in Australian Rules football media circles, aligning his delivery with the cadence of live sports commentary used by broadcasters working across networks like Seven Network and Nine Network. His use of linguistic devices and spontaneous observation created memorable moments alongside co-commentators including Brian Taylor, Billy Brownless and former players turned media figures like Garry Lyon and Darryl Baldock.

Television and radio work beyond football

Beyond football, Cometti presented and contributed to radio programs and television shows spanning sports talk, variety segments and news-related sports coverage on platforms such as the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, metropolitan radio networks and commercial television. He appeared on sports programs that featured collaboration with other media personalities from outlets like Fox Sports Australia, SEN (radio network), Triple M and breakfast programs associated with stations such as 3AW and RSN 927. His voiceovers and on-screen appearances intersected with broader Australian television production crews, producers, directors and sports journalists including contributors from The Age and Herald Sun sports desks.

Awards, honours and recognition

Cometti received industry recognition for his contribution to sports broadcasting, being acknowledged by organisations such as the Australian Football Hall of Fame and receiving accolades alongside other inductees and awardees like Leigh Matthews, Kevin Sheedy and media figures recognised by the AFL Hall of Fame council. He was honoured at ceremonies and media award events featuring presenters and former players from clubs including Melbourne Football Club, St Kilda Football Club and Port Adelaide Football Club. His reputation placed him in lists and retrospectives compiled by sports historians, broadcasters and institutions such as the National Sports Museum.

Personal life and retirement

Cometti's personal life has been described in media profiles that referenced his family and residence in Perth, Western Australia, and his retirement from regular commentary drew responses from colleagues, clubs and networks including the Seven Network and Nine Network who acknowledged his career. Post-retirement, he has been associated with charity events, alumni gatherings of former players from clubs such as West Perth Football Club and public appearances at functions hosted by institutions including the AFL Players Association and fan groups related to Australian rules football.

Category:Australian sports broadcasters Category:People from Perth, Western Australia