😢 “THE VOICE OF FOOTY FALLS SILENT!” — The Seven Network AFL commentary team pauses the season opener in a heartbreaking tribute to legendary broadcaster Dennis Cometti — as tearful colleagues reveal emotional memories… and one UNANSWERED MYSTERY about the man whose voice defined the Australian Football League. 🏉💔

Channel 7’s AFL team has paid tribute to Dennis Cometti after the legendary broadcaster’s death aged 76 this week.

An outpouring of grief punctuated by memories and clips of his greatest commentary moments dominated social media since Wednesday afternoon.

The first game of the season became a reminder for many, not least those who follow in his footsteps.

“He was simply a titan of the game,” Hamish McLachlan said as he prepared to call Sydney’s clash with Carlton.

“He was such a good footballer and a great coach but he was a world-class broadcaster we all fell in love with.

“The players loved being called by him, the fans delighted in hearing his voice, he was a master of his craft, gifted storyteller, dulcet tones, he made the moments so big and some of them became iconic because he was there. So many lines perfectly scripted.”

“He was loved by so many and has left an enormous legacy. Rest in peace, Den.”

Channel 7 honoured the extraordinary life and career of Cometti at half-time with a three-minute tribute narrated by his great mate and former commentary partner Bruce McAvaney.

“Dennis Cometti didn’t just call a moment, he became part of it,” McAvaney said

“An unforgettable voice, the soundtrack to some of our nation’s greatest sporting moments. Triumphs, heartbreaks, miracles

“How lucky we were, to welcome Dennis into our homes. Week after week, year after year. Our storyteller, as history unfolded.

“Dennis had that rare gift — timing. The instinct to rise with the moment. But just as importantly, the wisdom to know when to let the moment speak for itself.

“He made it sound effortless. I can tell you it isn’t.

“And then, of course, there was his humour. Sharp, unexpected, incomparable.

“To share the commentary box with Dennis is one of my greatest privileges. My colleague, my friend.

“Dennis understood that sport was about memories, and he created them for all of us.

“Long after the siren, Dennis Cometti’s voice will remain. Echoing throughout stadiums and loungerooms. Forever part of Australia’s sporting story.”

The Swans, who held a pre-game ceremony to remember the victims of Bondi and honour the heroes, also remembered Cometti at half-time inside the SCG.

Away from football, Supercars commentator Chad Neylon paid his own tribute to Cometti early in the first race of the grand prix weekend in Melbourne on Thursday afternoon.

Young gun Kai Allen found himself facing the wrong way on lap one after being spun, prompting Neylon to pull out Cometti’s famous “like a cork in the ocean” line when West Coast’s Peter Wilson kicked a goal over his own head.