Legendary sportscaster Drew Morphett has died at the age of 69.
Highly-regarded sportcaster Drew Morphett died at the age of 69
Morphett, who had retired from full time broadcasting last year, reportedly passed away while watching the Hawthorn-Western Bulldogs AFL game on Friday night.
He was found by his wife Karen at his Pakenham property – just days after celebrating his 69th birthday on Tuesday.
Tim Lane, a long-time friend and colleague, spoke highly of the broadcaster he was proud to be friends with.
‘We go back a long way. Drew was always the life of the party,’ he said.
Ian Cover offered his sentiments to Morphett on ABC radio’s Coodabeen Champion program on Saturday.
‘There will be a sombre mood over the media boxes today,’ Cover said, Sydney Morning Herald reported.
Dean Morphett began as a cadet with the ABC in 1966 and evolved into a ‘controlled performer on both radio and television,’ Sandy Roberts said.
Morphett (pictured), who had retired from full time broadcasting last year, reportedly passed away while watching the Hawthorn-Western Bulldogs game
‘He was watching the footy with a glass of red, before falling asleep and dying in his sleep, suffering no pain because his eyes were closed.
‘He loved where they lived outside Pakenham on their farm where they had some very good horses spelling from prominent trainers such as Peter Moody and Mick Price. He raced a few and loved a punt.’
For more than three decades Morphett was a familiar voice at the ABC, becoming one of the national broadcaster’s best-known callers with his coverage of cricket, AFL and the Olympic Games.
During four Olympic Games, Morphett became a specialist broadcaster in cycling, diving and hockey.
His services to broadcasting were recognised in 2014 with Order of Australia Medal.
Morphett joined the Seven Network in 1988 and worked at the station for 13 years calling AFL games.
The 69-year-old’s services to broadcasting were recognised in 2014 with Order of Australia Medal
He was found by his wife Karen on Friday night at his Pakenham property just days after celebrating his 69th birthday on Tuesday
Tributes are flowing on social media, with many lamenting the passing of a talented and compassionate professional whose voice they grew up with.
ABC Grandstand sports journalist Shannon Byrne tweeted: ‘Sad day in @abcgrandstand office with news former colleague Drew Morphett has passed away. Thoughts with Karen & family & sporting family.’
Herald Sun AFL reporter Jon Ralph described Morphett’s death as ‘horrible news.’
‘One of the greats. A superb story teller, the life of the party, was still at the top of his game,’ he tweeted on Saturday.