Legendary caller commentated every Test in Australia over an eight year period
Vale Drew Morphett, veteran broadcaster
Veteran sports broadcaster Drew Morphett passed away overnight aged 69.
Morphett covered a number of sports, including cricket, Australian Rules Football, cycling, hockey, diving and attended four Olympic games during his celebrated career behind the microphone.
He started out as an 18-year-old sports trainee reporter in 1966 and became well known in Melbourne as a football commentator.
Morphett worked for Channel 7 and ABC Grandstand radio where in his later years could be heard calling the cricket from the WACA Ground in Perth.
Sad news Vale Drew Morphett, terrific caller genuine lover of sport who lived life itself to the full. Our thoughts are with the Family
— Darren Lehmann (@darren_lehmann) August 26, 2017
Vale Drew Morphett who has passed away aged 69.
We've lost a friend and a very special sports caller. Drew Morphett ...onya mate, ever a cheeky smile, laughter and another glass of red.
— jim maxwell (@jimmaxcricket) August 26, 2017
From the archive: Drew on The Feature Hour about two years ago.https://t.co/yNI0sIaJCL pic.twitter.com/Xal304dsoW— SEN 1116 (@SENNews) August 26, 2017
Devastated with the passing of Drew Morphett
— Damien Fleming (@bowlologist) August 26, 2017
I was lucky enough to work with the great man on cricket and footy. Loved his company #RIPDrew
@Beva3AW can't believe it terrible news.
— Mark Waugh (@juniorwaugh349) August 26, 2017
In 2014 he received an Order of Australia Medal for his services to broadcasting.
"I suppose it's an award for longevity. I started with ABC sport in the 60s, I've been here for nearly half a century, which is a long time. So over that period hopefully I've entertained a few people along the way," Morphett said in January 2014.
"But the person who has been entertained the most is me. I've had the best fun. You get the best seat in the house, with a free ticket, and you're doing is broadcasting sport. Nothing better than that."
Morphett was found by his wife Karen at their home on Friday night while he was watching AFL on television, according to a News Corp report.