DENNIS Cometti takes some beating in the world of sports broadcasting.

While some commentators think they need to squeal into a microphone to call action effectively, it’s been said Cometti has the soothing manner of a dentist.

A key member of Channel 7’s AFL team, Cometti also has an innate understanding of footy and an ability to anticipate what will unfold in a passage of play.

Some fans, however, place him at the top of footy commentator polls because of his razor-sharp wit.

FOOTY FANS SURVEY 2014: COMETTI OUR FAVOURITE CALLER

The bad news? Cometti reveals his days as a TV caller are numbered. He says the next broadcasting rights deal “won’t concern me” and the next deal is 2017 to 2021. So the final year for him will be 2016.

How is your relationship with (fellow commentator) Bruce McAvaney?

We’ve known each other a long time and there has never been a harsh word between us. We are good friends.

media_camera Old mates ... Dennis Cometti and Bruce McAvaney. Picture: Channel Seven

You must be pleased about coming out on top of the commentator rankings.

It’s certainly better than the alternative. When people (in the street) approach me they are fantastic . There have been only one or two bad experiences over the years.

Have you had many occasions when calling where you said something you later wished you could take back?

You feel like you are tempting fate by even talking about this. It’s easy to slip up. There is apprehension, but it’s not like playing the game because there is not the physical element. It’s a ferocious physical game. A really bad injury would be tricky to handle (as a caller).

media_camera Starting out ... Dennis Cometti as a young, rising star.

Is it true you watch footy at home with the volume down?

I always have. There is a danger you can all end up saying the same things. I try to avoid other people’s cliches. If I can think of a few of my own, I just use those. When I watch the footy I turn on some music, like Top 40 rock. I’d be the last man you’d ask to critique the work of someone else. I have the utmost respect for them even though I don’t listen to them.

media_camera Fan favourite ... Dennis Cometti is ready to retire at home in Perth. Picture: Theo Fakos

There is a lot of talk about negotiations for the next TV broadcasting rights (2017 to 2021). Is it hard not knowing where the rights will end up?

There is usually apprehension when a new agreement is being worked out. A lot of people’s lives get put on hold when it happens. If a network loses out, a large number of people can

be left wondering what they are going to do. But it (next TV rights deal) won’t concern me. I’m 65 now and I can’t imagine doing it beyond the current agreement. That’ll be the end for me, I’d say. It’s not the football, it’s the travel (Cometti lives in Perth). I’ve worked out that I’ve spent five years of my life in a hotel. Age does come into it. I remember a player in the 1970s who retired at 27 even though he was fit and going well. I asked him once why he stopped playing so young and he said, ‘because I knew I wasn’t going to get any better’ and that’s not a bad way of looking at things. I’m certainly not going to get any better!