West Australian broadcasting icon Dennis Cometti has died at the age of 76. Former sports commentator Basil Zempilas, now Opposition Leader, heads local tributes following Cometti’s passing.
Zempilas Shares Personal Memories
At a crowded press conference on Wednesday, Zempilas reflected on Cometti’s impact. “Den would have loved this,” he said. “He pulled a big crowd. He would have loved this moment. So good of you all to be here.”
Zempilas highlighted Cometti’s exceptional talent. “He was the best of his kind at his craft that brought him such love and respect, not only here in Western Australia,” Zempilas stated. “We all felt so proud of Den. He felt like our Dennis Cometti, WA’s own. He was our product, and he dominated on the national stage.”
Zempilas first encountered Cometti in his late teens while playing WAFL at West Perth, aspiring to follow in his footsteps. The pair later worked together as sports reporters at Channel 7. “To see Dennis walk into the newsroom every afternoon, it was like one of the Beatles had walked in for me, and a similar haircut to The Beatles,” Zempilas recalled.
He emphasized Cometti’s work ethic. “To be very good at your craft, whatever it is, you have to work hard at it. You can’t just rely on natural talent, and he showed that to a generation of young broadcasters.”
During their first game together, an international rules match, Cometti offered key advice: “Just let the game come to you.” Zempilas called it “a great metaphor for lots of things.”
Cometti’s famous ad-libs stemmed from rigorous preparation. “He would watch tape after tape, television from all over the world, particularly sports broadcasting,” Zempilas explained. “He prepared lines for certain situations that could be rolled out at the right moment.”
Zempilas noted Cometti battled Alzheimer’s disease and a severe form of dementia. “No one wanted to see him that way. We knew him as that great orator, incredible personality, wonderful smile and wit,” he said. “There is some mercy to all of this.”
Zempilas supports a state funeral but defers to the family, who may choose a private service.
Leaders and Peers Pay Respects
WA Premier Roger Cook described Cometti as an “icon.” “He has called footy for as long as I can remember, even on a black and white telly,” Cook said. “He’s been part of all our lives and coined some of the most iconic phrases in football commentary.”
West Coast Eagles chief executive Don Pyke praised Cometti’s unmatched skill. “He had an innate understanding of the game, honed over five decades as a broadcaster following his playing and coaching career at West Perth,” Pyke said. “His calls elevated great moments to even greater heights.”
Cometti’s Lasting Legacy
Cometti earned induction into the Australian Football Hall of Fame, WA Football Hall of Fame, and Sport Australia Hall of Fame. He received a Member of the Order of Australia in 2019. The media centre at Optus Stadium bears his name since its 2018 opening.
