Bruce McAvaney says he’s “lost something truly precious” with the passing of Dennis Cometti, praising his great mate as “the benchmark” for Australian sports broadcasters.

Cometti’s death at age 76 triggered an outpouring of tributes on Wednesday, with the commentating legend remembered for his quick wit, unique voice, and utmost professionalism across a distinguished career.

He spent much of it alongside McAvaney at Seven for the network’s AFL coverage, with the duo a fixture for the league’s biggest games up until Cometti retired from TV broadcasting at the end of 2016.

In a statement on Wednesday, McAvaney said Cometti’s legacy would live on long after his passing.

“When I think about Dennis, one of the first things I think about is the amount of joy he brought to all of our lives,” McAvaney said.

“How many times did he make us laugh and smile? We would sit there and think, how did he think of that?

“He leaves a legacy that is undeniable, unique, and authentic. In many ways he was the benchmark for all of those that are following in his footsteps. We are a nation who prides itself in having so many of the all-time great sport commentators, and he was up there with the very best of them.

“Perhaps the most impressive thing about Dennis is that through his calling, he made footballers famous. That’s a gift.”

McAvaney said that on a personal level, he felt like “I’ve lost something truly precious.”

“We shared an extraordinary journey,” he said.

“We were a similar age and at similar stages of our lives, and we both understood the pressure that came with the role – the effort it demanded and the vulnerability that came with trying to live up to expectations.

“We leaned on each other through that. We always had each other’s backs.

“While Dennis and I started our careers as colleagues, we ended as friends and I am so grateful for that.”