The AFL will sound a little different after the end of the 2016 season with veteran commentator Dennis Cometti confirming he will hang up the microphone.
The 66-year-old has been a chief caller since he joined the Seven Network in 1986, including a five-year stint with the Nine Network when they acquired the rights between 2002 and 2006.
The West Australian, who played 40 matches for West Perth in the WAFL before injuries prevented a career in the VFL in 1971, had previously hinted 2016 may be his last, and has now confirmed the move.
“I’m getting rather old these days and not so much tired of footy but certainly tired of travelling,” he told The West Australian.
“I think I’ve worked out, with the help of a couple of other people, I’ve spent about six years of my life living in hotels.
“That seems a waste. I don’t think there’s any chance this will change, so it is my final year and I’m looking forward to it.”
Prior to calling AFL with Seven, Cometti called Test cricket on the ABC for 13 seasons.
Floyd Calhoun
Guest
Going back a bit, but nobody could say 'Malaxos' quite the way Dennis did in his commentary.
Liam O'Neill
Guest
You get the feeling, it would be sensationally special if someone else went too.
Chris Vincent
Roar Pro
Yes, anon, you're clearly confused because again you've said, 'Cometti and Bruce’s insight...' One of the best aspects of Cometti's work is that he isn't so ignorant as to force his 'insight' on to the viewer. Despite the fact that his insight would probably be more relevant than the so-called 'special comments' people we hear nowadays. As you say, he tells you what you can see. That's what a sports caller is supposed to do. It's his brilliant manner of description that separates him from every other caller in AFL. And as a side note... imagine how good it would be to have Cometti calling the cricket instead of some of the Ch9 mob.
Chris Vincent
Roar Pro
Tony Shaw - what a shocker. If I never again hear him say, 'did he what!', it will be too soon.
Paul Nicholls
Roar Guru
Ha Kaks. Most commentary these days seems to be anything other than what is going on in the field. American sports commentary is the worst example. Oh I forgot, that's where we are all heading...
Paul Nicholls
Roar Guru
That's it Don Freo - it's not just what he says but the voice. Very few commentators have good voices these days. Dennis could have recited Shakespeare and made it sound fun. I rate Dennis Commetti along with Allan McGilvray as two of the greatest Oz commentators I have ever heard.
Paul Nicholls
Roar Guru
I can't say I watch a whole lot of AFL but I would say that the one commentator who stands out head and shoulders above all others is Dennis Cometti. His asides are both funny and original and he knows when the frippery should stop and the serious stuff begins. I used to love him as a cricket commentator on the radio as well (I don't know if he still does it locally.) I would rate him far and away the best TV commentator of any footy code... actually any sport in the country. Good luck to Dennis in whatever he does.
Don Freo
Guest
What a messy, rambling comment. What are you trying to say? That you can communicate better than Bruce? ...or that you can bet better than Bruce?
Republican
Guest
Ah Bruce - Jack of all and Master of none except perhaps the G G's - then you can have a punt on the footy these days. Bruce is typical of the generic sports commentator of our time and in that respect he complements nicely the generic brands (once tribal clubs) competing week to week in the AFL multi national tele, betting and doping extravaganza. Its a mugs game to be sure.
Don Freo
Guest
The best one is AR's reference...the "misty optically" one.
Wilson
Roar Guru
This is not normal I'm sorry Samantha but I have to agree with Don Freo, Cometti is great. For me I would prefer to see Bruce McAvaney then Cometti Retire
Don Freo
Guest
Absolutely right, Johno. Hands down the worst commentary team...particularly Dermie and Tony Shaw. I can't see how any sports director doesn't teach them what to do. They pay absolutely no attention to the game. Still, it magnifies my appreciation of Dennis' talent.
Paul D
Roar Guru
"a bunch of never-was / has-beens and semi literate morons talking about how great they were and constantly getting players names wrong and adding nothing to the enjoyment of watching a game" I thought for a moment you were talking about Channel Nine's cricket coverage
johno
Guest
Dennis Cometti was, is and will always be the best football caller I have heard. Intelligent, humourous, knew when to speak and when not to. One of the few commentators with more than half a brain.
johno
Guest
Foxtel is utter tripe - have you tried to listen to a game commentated by Dermie, Matthew Campbell and Tony Shaw. You will soon lose the will to live I can guarantee you Or Dwayne Russell who has a massive axe to grind against certain teams. Foxtel is basically a bunch of never-was / has-beens and semi literate morons talking about how great they were and constantly getting players names wrong and adding nothing to the enjoyment of watching a game
MJ
Guest
Would have been a perfect time for Bruce to go out, especially being an Olympic year.
SM
Guest
I really hope Bruce follows him out the door. Talk about a bloke who's had his day. Though to be frank, I never thought he was that good to begin with.
Doc Disnick
Roar Guru
I thought Huddo was on Seven - well there you go. Happy to be corrected on the 4-5 ratio. I thought Seven had 5 games live and Fox all 9 (except the GF). The 4 games not covered by Seven being broadcast by Fox direct with their own live commentary team.
The Original Buzz
Guest
i agree Malibu, some good commentators there.
Spruiker
Guest
Thanks Dennis!