Dennis Cometti: Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese pays tribute to broadcast legend

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has paid tribute to legendary West Australian sports commentator Dennis Cometti, who died on Wednesday.

Mr Albanese spoke glowingly about Cometti’s contribution to sport before the start of Thursday’s Question Time at Federal Parliament in Canberra.

“Today Australians right across this great sport loving nation of ours will be mourning the passing of one of our best loved commentators,” Mr Albanese told the House of Representatives.

“Dennis Cometti was a proud son of Western Australia who played for West Perth in the WAFL, but he was also much better known by being one of the voices of Australian sport.

“For five decades he broadcast footy, three Olympics and virtually every other sport on TV and radio.

“We were very familiar with that velvet voice of his. He elevated it for us by having an eagle eye, an insight, and his distinctive humour, the product of a meticulous preparation and spontaneous genius.”

Mr Albanese read out a few of Cometti’s most famous quotes which were met with unanimous laughter and applause from the floor.

“Not just the iconic centimetre perfect, or like a cork in the ocean, but those brilliant off-beat observations that he made,” Mr Cometti said.

“The Magpies ought to be kicking themselves right now but with their luck they’d probably miss.

“Barlow to Bateman, the Hawks are attacking alphabetically.

“Liberatore went into the last pack optimistically but came out misty optically.

“Or describing the then young Melbourne Demons player and now Richmond Tigers coach Adem Yze as a lousy Scrabble hand but a very good young player.

“He had a particular focus on people’s names. He said at one stage, there’s Koutoufides, more vowels than possessions today.

“Dennis inspired countless imitators but he remained the best, a true original.

“He had a brilliant partnership and true friendship with the legendary Bruce McAvaney.

“And this was because Dennis’ sense of humour was matched by a powerful sense of occasion, an ability to recognise a defining moment and rise to it.

”Dennis Cometti will be sadly missed by his family, his loved ones, so many colleagues who learnt so much from his generosity and skill, but importantly by Australians who never met him, but who loved him and enjoyed his contribution.

“And he will live for ever in some of the happiness sporting memories of Australians everywhere.

“May he rest in peace.”

Cometti also received an ovation from guests at Fremantle Football Club’s season launch at Crown Ballroom on Thursday morning.

Federal Opposition Leader Angus Taylor also paid tribute to Cometti describing the commentator’s voice as “instantly recognisable”.

A voice that energised AFL games and the Olympics. Through his voice, we felt the anticipation of a centre bounce. The exhilaration of a soaring mark. The elation of a spectacular goal,” Mr Taylor told Parliament.

“That was, as we heard from the Prime Minister, so often centimetre perfect.

“He was more than a commentator - he was an AFL storyteller. And in many ways, his voice became an embodiment of the crowd’s sentiments.

On behalf of many Australians who grew up listening to him call the game, I extend my deepest sympathies to his family and friends, and to the wider football and sporting community.”