UPDATES: The sporting world is paying tribute to a WA icon on Monday afternoon, with the life of broadcast great Dennis Cometti remembered at a State memorial service.
High-profile Australian figures gathered at Optus Stadium to farewell the legendary caller, who passed away in March at age 76.
Stay across the latest updates below, with the service beginning at 2.30pm WA time and streamed live on Seven here.
Bruce to speak next
Perhaps the most anticipated tribute is about to begin, with partner-in-crime Bruce McAvaney the next to talk.
Zempilas reflects on his mentor and mate
Basil Zempilas has stepped up to stage, delivering a heartfelt message to his mentor and cherished mate.
“I’ve got so much to thank Dennis for,” he said.
“Lots of people have asked what would Dennis make of today… the truth is he would of said he wanted this to be low-key, and then tell me ‘Bas, make sure they make a fuss’.
“He would have loved this, all of us here today.”
Sharing his favourite call from Cometti’s career, Zempilas shared his own personal pick that is a more unique choice from a long list of legendary one liners.
“For multicultural round, they decided to paint the 50 in Chinese characters,” he said.
“As a player was lining up on them to take a set shot, Dennis said ‘Careful, don’t slip on the Mandarin’.”
He spoke on Cometti’s dedication to his craft, watching hours of footage that his wife recorded for him on VHS.
Stating those tapes belonged in a museum.
“He hated making mistakes… if he ever made one, he would demand a copy of that tape – and he insisted on watching that error had been made,” Zempilas said.
“He was such a perfectionist.”
Zempilas spoke of the West Coast Eagles early premierships and how they are forever ingrained with Cometti’s voice calling the games.
“A trailblazing WA team, connected to a trailblazing WA commentator,” he said.
GALLERY: Guests pay tribute to legendary broadcaster
There is no shortage of prominent figures at Optus Stadium farewelling Dennis Cometti.
Humble with his trademark authority
Former West Perth captain Les Fong provided an insight into Cometti’s career as a coach.
“At West Perth Dennis was held in the highest regard, he was respect, admired and deeply loyal,” Fong said.
“In 1968, I watched a young Dennis play league footballer… he was a talented forward, tall and gangly.
Fong touched on Cometti’s success as a coach after he retired from playing, taking Maddington to four grand finals and winning three in local leagues.
Before taking West Perth to a preliminary final in his first season.
“No blame should ever rest on Dennis’ feet,” Fong said.
“What stood out about Dennis as a coach was not only his understanding of the game, but his understanding of people.
“He was humble and never wanted to speak ill will of others.”
Fong spoke on Cometti’s unusual clothing choice as coach and his “trademark authority”, before wrapping up his touching tribute with thanks from the wider West Perth community.
“He introduced fashion no coach before or after has… we were always wondering what the coach would be wearing this week,” he said.
“We were blessed to have Dennis as part of our lives.”
The Cometti family
Dennis’ wife Velia and son Mark in attendance for today’s State memorial service.
‘An exemplary West Australian’: Cook honours Cometti
WA Premier Roger Cook is now up at the podium to pay tribute for a “great Western Australian”.
“How does one begin to honour with words one of the greatest origins in WA history,” he said.
“It doesn’t matter whether you watch sport or not, the sounds of Dennis Cometti evoke a familiarity we all share.
“His family was his proudest and most defining legacy.”
Cook credited Cometti’s origins in Geraldton for starting the trend of renowned footballers coming out of the Mid West footy factory.
“It was his warmth, and trademark gentleness the resonated with everyone,” Cook added.
“There will not be another Dennis Cometti… he enriched football and he enriched sports.
“Above all, he was an exemplary West Australian.”
Heavy Hearts reflect on the great man
Following a touching tribute from host Mark Readings, a picture show of Cometti’s life played in front of a packed Riverview Room.
Heavy Heart by You Am I serenades an emotional crowd as images from black and white to colour paint a picture of Cometti’s 76 years and five-decade career.
Dennis outside of football
A man known for his broadcasting career, Mark Readings has opened up focusing on Cometti outside of sport.
Speaking of his dedication for his family, love of music and proposing to his wife after dating for just two weeks.
One word to describe Cometti: Respect
Following greetings from memorial host Mark Readings, Dr Richard Walley OAM has opened up the service with a welcome to country.
“The gentlemen we are honouring today can be described in one word, respect,” Dr Walley said of Cometti.
Familiar faces flood the Riverview Room
More familiar faces and notable names have been spotted in a crowded Riverview Room paying their respects to a titan of Western Australia media.
West Coast legend Ben Cousins has made the rounds at the packed venue, while Channel 7 sports presenter Adrian Barich is among other greats that have gathered to farewell Cometti.
Bruce McAvaney is front and centre as he prepares to honour his fallen friend and longtime broadcast partner.
WA Premier Roger Cook entered alongside Cometti’s family, as proceedings are about to get underway.
Get the latest news from thewest.com.au in your inbox.
Sign up for our emails