Obituary for Dennis Cometti

Obituary for Dennis Cometti

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Dennis Cometti, a beloved and dedicated member of the West Perth Football Club family. Dennis passed away, leaving behind a legacy of passion, commitment, and professionalism that will never be forgotten.

Dennis was a talented and promising footballer, playing 40 matches for West Perth, with his finest year coming in 1968 when he kicked an impressive 63 goals under the coaching of the legendary Graham Farmer. Dennis, just 19 years old and standing well over six feet, was praised by Farmer for his extraordinary ability and agility, likened to that of a co-ordinated rover. “We thought we had a champion,” Farmer once said, and indeed, Dennis’s potential was immense.

His career took him to Footscray in 1971, where he made the senior list, but due to injuries and media commitments, he was unable to play a senior match in the VFL. Despite this, Dennis returned to Perth, continuing to contribute to the football community. He found success in the Sunday Football League, first with Wanneroo and later with Maddington, where he captained the club to four successive grand finals and three consecutive premierships from 1974 to 1976.

After his playing days, Dennis transitioned into coaching, leading Osborne Park and Kelmscott to further success, including a premiership in 1979. His coaching journey culminated with his appointment as coach of West Perth in 1982, where he guided the team to third place in his first year. Though his tenure at West Perth was not as successful in subsequent years, Dennis’s unwavering love for the club and his unrelenting passion for the game remained ever-present.

Dennis’s contributions extended beyond his time on the field and as a coach. He briefly served as chairman of selectors for the Western Australian football team, and his unwavering commitment to the West Perth Football Club was unparalleled. Whenever the club called upon him, Dennis answered with passion, determination, and a true love for the game.

Dennis Cometti’s memory will forever live on in the hearts of all who knew him. He was more than just a footballer—he was a mentor, a leader, and a dear friend to many. His professionalism and dedication to West Perth will be sorely missed, and he will always be remembered as a cherished member of the West Perth family.

May his memory be eternal.

Jimmy Caffieri

President West Perth Football Club.