State Memorial Service – Mr Dennis Cometti AM

Dennis Cometti was a Western Australian icon, and one of the most widely respected voices in Australian sport. More than a broadcaster, he was the familiar presence whose voice and character shaped generations of sporting memories - his warmth, wit and unmistakable delivery woven into the very experience of watching the game.

Born in Geraldton in 1949, football was in Dennis’ blood as he rose through junior football ranks to play in the WAFL for West Perth, a club he subsequently returned to coach in 1982. However, it would be sports broadcasting where he would make his greatest mark, with a television and radio career spanning almost 50 years. In one of the most defining moments in WA football history, he called the West Coast Eagles’ maiden AFL premiership in 1992. Dennis’ remarkable versatility was also evident in his coverage of Test cricket and his commentary during the 1992,1996 and 2000 Olympic Games. At the conclusion of his TV broadcasting career in 2016, he continued to call games locally on radio, until 2021.  

Dennis received many accolades during his career. Among them, the Optus Stadium Media Centre was named in his honour in 2018, and he was the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Australian Sport Commission Media Awards that same year. In 2019 Dennis was awarded a Member of the Order of Australia, for significant service to broadcast media as a sports presenter, and to the community. He was also inducted into the Football Australia Hall of Fame in 2020 and the WA Football Hall of Fame in 2021. 

But it was for his dry wit and turn of phrase that the ‘commentary king’ will truly be remembered. He was a master of his craft, capturing every moment to perfection and adding a unique touch of brilliance to each game.   

There is a profound sense of pride across Western Australia in counting him among our own and it is with deep respect that we recognise his life with a State Memorial Service.