Australian hearts were broken when sports commentator Dennis Cometti died in March this year, aged 76. Now, Channel Seven is is paying tribute with the documentary, Dennis Cometti: Centimetre Perfect, which delves into what made him such a legend of sports broadcasting.
In a career spanning four decades, Dennis brought wit and warmth to sports commentary. Dennis Cometti: Centimetre Perfect explores the career of a champion commentator who provided the soundtrack to many of our greatest sporting moments.
Some of our most decorated sporting heroes, such as Olympians Kieren Perkins and Susie O’Neill, dive in with their own stories about Dennis.
Of course, long-time broadcasting partner and close friend Bruce McAvaney provides his own insights into the man behind the microphone. As we see behind-the-scenes footage of Dennis spraying copious amounts of hairspray to his hairdo before going on air, Bruce comments: “He was like a male model!”
Speaking to TV WEEK in August, Bruce reflected: “I still believe there was a little bit of me that went with Dennis. That’s how connected I felt to him.”
Many AFL fans grew up listening to Dennis’ witty sayings during matches. “He’s judged it to a nicety. Centimetre perfect,” he famously pronounced of a goal by Eddie Betts.
Another memorable Cometti-ism was heard when Collingwood’s Heath Shaw smothered a kick from St Kilda’s Nick Riewoldt… Dennis quipped: “He came up behind him like a librarian. He never heard him!”
Dennis’ son, Mark, discusses their joint love of wrestling, while other sports personalities share their memories of the much-missed commentator, including Eddie McGuire, Sandy Roberts, Basil Zempilas, Nick Riewoldt and Chris Judd.
Dennis Cometti: Centimetre Perfect airs Wednesday, September 23, 8.30pm on Channel Seven and 7Plus
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