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Dennis Cometti announces decision to walk away at end of 2016 AFL season

FOR many he is the voice of football. A commentator “from the top shelf” has announced his decision to walk away from the microphone.

Staff writers
3 min read
February 10, 2016 - 12:25PM
Dennis Cometti, for Switched On, September 10.
Dennis Cometti, for Switched On, September 10.

THE AFL will sound a little different after the end of the 2016 season with veteran commentator Dennis Cometti confirming he will hang up the microphone.

The 66-year-old has been a chief caller since he joined the Seven Network in 1986, including a five-year stint with the Nine Network when they acquired the rights between 2002 and 2006. The West Australian, who played 40 matches for West Perth in the WAFL before injuries prevented a career in the VFL in 1971, had previously hinted 2016 may be his last, and has now confirmed the move.

“I’m getting rather old these days and not so much tired of footy but certainly tired of travelling,” he told The West Australian.

“I think I’ve worked out, with the help of a couple of other people, I’ve spent about six years of my life living in hotels.

Two of the greats.
Two of the greats.

“That seems a waste. I don’t think there’s any chance this will change, so it is my final year and I’m looking forward to it.

“I often say to the family I’ve known footy for longer than I’ve known any of them and longer than I knew my parents,” he said. “Footy was there for me in the early 50s and it’s been a constant. I wouldn’t change that.

“Commentating is not what I am, it’s just what I do,” he said.

“These days sentimentality seems to almost rule the roost but I don’t think we’re a sentimental family. We’ll just move on and find something else.”

Prior to calling AFL with Seven, Cometti called Test cricket on the ABC for 13 seasons.

Cometti had previously announced his intention to step away from the game at the end of the current AFL television deal which expires at the end of this season.

The much-loved lyricist’s confirmation of his retirement plans, prompted a series of tributes on social media for his contribution to Australian sport.

The man famous for having the quickest wit in Australian sports broadcasting has produced some of the most famous pieces of sports commentary in recent years.

Here is a quick list of some of his most memorable moments:

“Ball in dispute, Lamb, now Yze the meat in the sandwich. Really Lamb should be in the sandwich.”

“Solomon not quite showing the wisdom of his namesake with some of his decision making.”

“Why would he do that? There’s more cameras here than Tokyo airport.”

“Spider Burton, like Pavarotti on a skateboard.”

“He entered the pack optimistically and emerged misty optically.”

“In for the Cats today, David and Steve Johnson. Who better to patch up a line-up than Johnson and Johnson?”

“Collingwood know they’re in trouble, it’s like being in the bathtub with the Loch Ness monster.”

“Rocca, like my wife driving, needs a fair bit of lane.”

“He was like a Bombay train. They were hanging off him in all directions.”

“He made a typo! He tried for Bickley and he got Buckley.”

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

“Farmer may have an injury to his calf... Hmmm, a farmer with a calf problem.”

“Ling’s running off the ground a little bit gingerly.”

“Scotty Cummings alone in the square, jumping up and down and waving his arms like they’re playing My Sharona.”

“Gaspar, the unfriendly post.”

“It’s like finding fault with Miss Venezuela”

“Like a Melbourne Tram, a lot jumped on but nothing was paid.”

“There’s a Blair in there.”

“That’s on YouTube, like it or not Paul Bower.”

— with AAP

Originally published as Dennis Cometti announces decision to walk away at end of 2016 AFL season

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Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/dennis-cometti-announces-decision-to-walk-away-at-end-of-2016-afl-season/news-story/ce2d34cb75efc67381164cffd6018b2f