Dennis Cometti, Australian TV and radio broadcaster, who coined some of the AFL’s most memorable phrases, has died aged 76. Born in Geraldton in Western Australia, Cometti played 40 matches for West Perth in the WAFL before launching into a full-time broadcasting career. He worked for the ABC from 1972 to 1985, where he broadcast his first Test cricket match aged 23.

He also worked at 6KY, 6PM, 3DB, 6KY, and 6PR. He retired from full-time commentary in 2016 and called his final AFL game in 2021 when the grand final was held in Perth.

He covered three Summer Olympic Games — 1992 in Barcelona, 1996 in Atlanta and 2000 in Sydney — was inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame and a member of the Order of Australia.

Former colleague and friend Basil Zempilas confirmed he was battling Alzheimer’s disease and a “severe” form of dementia.