Legendary Australian Broadcaster Dennis Cometti Dies At 75

Legendary Australian Broadcaster Dennis Cometti Dies At 75...

Australian sports broadcasting icon Dennis Cometti has died at age 75, his family confirmed Wednesday. The beloved commentator, known for his witty calls of Australian rules football, passed away peacefully in Perth after a short illness.

Cometti's death is trending in the U.S. due to his cult following among American sports fans who discovered Australian rules football through his iconic broadcasts. Many U.S. viewers became familiar with his work through Fox Sports' coverage of the Australian Football League (AFL) in the 2000s.

The Western Australian native called over 1,000 AFL games during his 45-year career before retiring in 2016. His signature phrases like "centimetre perfect" and "like a librarian in a brawl" became part of Australian sporting culture.

Current AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan called Cometti "the voice of our game" in a tribute statement. Former players and fellow broadcasters have flooded social media with memories of his legendary career and kind personality.

Cometti is survived by his wife Velia and their two children. Funeral arrangements will be private, with a public memorial service to be announced later this month. The AFL plans to honor Cometti during the opening round of the 2026 season.

American fans are sharing their favorite Cometti calls online, with many noting how his commentary helped them understand and appreciate Australian football. His death comes just weeks before the AFL's 2026 international series, which includes games in the U.S.