Renowned for his iconic voice in the world of Australian football, legendary commentator Dennis Cometti battled Alzheimer’s disease and an aggressive form of dementia before his passing. His family chose to keep his health struggles private.

Cometti, who passed away at 76, left an indelible mark on sports broadcasting, enchanting audiences with his sharp humor and impeccable sense of timing throughout a remarkable career spanning half a century.

Despite his declining health in recent years, Cometti managed to attend one last AFL game, witnessing the State of Origin match between Victoria and Western Australia in Perth on February 14.

“Knowing Den, working alongside him, and calling him a friend has been an extraordinary honor,” shared a colleague. “His unique talent and passion for his work, coupled with his warm and caring nature, made him truly unforgettable. Den, you will be sorely missed.”

Basil Zempilas expressed support for a state funeral to be held in Western Australia to honor Cometti’s legacy, though the final decision rests with his family.

Legendary footy commentator Dennis Cometti (pictured left, with fellow media great Bruce McAvaney) was suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and a severe form of dementia before his death – his family kept his illness a closely guarded secret

Cometti, 76, has been remembered for his decorated media career which spanned five decades, with his quick wit and exceptional timing making him a fan favourite

Zempilas also stated he would support a state funeral being staged for Cometti in Western Australia, but ultimately the decision will be left with his family.

News of the footy icon’s passing filtered through social media and industry circles on Wednesday, prompting an outpouring of tributes for the man often described as the ‘best in the business’.

Famed ‘Cometti-isms’ such as ‘centimetre perfect’ and ‘he came up behind him like a librarian’ became part of the footy lexicon.

Long-time commentary partner Bruce McAvaney led the tributes for the broadcast legend, saying he had a ‘true gift’ for his craft.

The pair shared the microphone for nearly 450 AFL matches and were renowned not only for their friendship, but for a natural on-air chemistry and big-moment calls that helped define a golden era in broadcast history on local shores.

‘When I think about Dennis, one of the first things I think about is the amount of joy he brought to all of our lives,’ McAvaney said.

‘He leaves a legacy that is undeniable, unique and authentic. In many ways he was the benchmark for all of those that are following in his footsteps. We are a nation who prides itself in having so many of the all-time great sport commentators, and he was up there with the very best of them.

‘Perhaps the most impressive thing about Dennis is that through his calling, he made footballers famous. That’s a gift.’

Former colleague and WA Opposition Leader Basil Zempilas confirmed Cometti’s health deteriorated rapidly in recent years

Australia’s sporting industry had lost somebody ‘truly precious’, McAvaney added.

Born in Geraldton, Western Australia, Cometti was first a footy star, playing 40 matches for West Perth in the WAFL before launching into a full-time broadcasting career.

Cometti worked for the ABC from 1972 to 1985, then joined Seven in 1986, spending the better part of the next three decades at the network, with other stints at Nine, 3AW and Triple M.

He retired from full-time commentary in 2016 and called his final AFL game in 2021 when the grand final was held in Perth due to COVID lockdowns in Melbourne at the time.

Cometti, who also covered three Summer Olympic Games – 1992 in Barcelona, 1996 in Atlanta and 2000 in Sydney – was later inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame.

AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon said Cometti was a legend of the sport, paying tribute to his ‘incredible turns of phrase.’

‘I think what he will be best remembered for from a footy point of view…is just the way that he brought our game to life through his commentary,’ he told reporters.

A documentary celebrating Cometti’s career, appropriately titled ‘Centimetre Perfect’, is due to air on Seven and 7plus Sport later this year.