Australia bids farewell to legendary sports broadcaster Dennis Cometti AM
A State Memorial Service will be held to honour Dennis Cometti AM, one of Australia’s most beloved sports broadcasters. The event, set for Monday, will celebrate his long and influential career in media. Dignitaries, colleagues, and fans will gather to pay their respects to the iconic commentator. Cometti’s journey in broadcasting began in 1968 as a radio announcer in Perth. While working in media, he also played football for West Perth in the WAFL. By 1973, at just 23, he became the youngest person to call Test cricket on the ABC.
His career took a major step forward when he joined the Seven Network in 1986. Over 26 years, split between 1986–2001 and 2007–2016, he covered some of Australia’s biggest sporting moments. This included three Summer Olympics—Barcelona 1992, Atlanta 1996, and Sydney 2000—where his commentary became a staple for viewers. The memorial will be hosted by Mark Readings, with WA Premier Roger Cook and broadcaster Basil Zempilas among the attendees. Tim McMillan will lead the broadcast, while Ryan Daniels reports live from the service. Bruce McAvaney, a close colleague, will deliver a tribute to Cometti. Later this year, Seven will also air a documentary, *Centimetre Perfect*, celebrating his life and work.
The service will be broadcast nationally on 7plus and Seven Perth. It brings together figures from sport, politics, and media to honour Cometti’s legacy. His contributions to Australian broadcasting will be remembered through tributes, stories, and the upcoming documentary.
