Legendary commentator Dennis Cometti passes away aged 76
Dennis Cometti, one of Australian football's most iconic commentators, has passed away aged 76 after battling illness.
7news.com.auDennis Cometti, the iconic Australian sports commentator, passed away in March 2026 at age 76, with a state memorial later held in Perth in May 2026 to honour his career and impact. The family and major Australian outlets publicly acknowledged the outpouring of tributes from the football community and beyond.[2][3][4][5]
Key points from recent coverage:
- Official confirmations: Cometti died after a period of illness, prompting widespread tributes from players, coaches, and fans across AFL and other sports.[3][7]
- Memorials and remembrances: A state memorial service was held at Optus Stadium in Perth, with speakers including Basil Zempilas and Bruce McAvaney, reflecting on his five-decade broadcasting legacy.[5][9]
- Legacy and health: Reports note his long-standing influence on AFL commentary, characterized by his distinctive style and humour, and they mention his battle with dementia in later years.[4]
If you’d like, I can pull together a concise timeline of major tributes and compile a short tribute note drawing on these sources. Also, I can provide direct quotes or a brief bio snippet for reference.