Sam Mac shares goodbye tribute to Mark Beretta on his final Sunrise shift

What a privilege it has been to get to know Mark Beretta both on and off the air.

In my role as travelling weatherman, I’m fortunate enough to meet our Sunrise viewers face to face around the country.

The outpouring of gratitude for Beretts has been truly palpable.

For many of our viewers, it feels like they’re saying goodbye to a beloved family member. Even if some of them still think his name is “Brett” (it’s not Kath and Kim guys).

And as the sun sets on Sunrise for our dear friend Mark, I believe the most fitting tribute for the sports guy, is to give him his very own sports report.

So, imagine the intro music playing, and the following words are being delivered with that trademark Beretta gravitas:

Sport and Sunrise all-rounder Mark Beretta is hanging up the boots after an illustrious 22 years at number one in the rankings.

Beretts, known as “The Silver Fox” (a nickname he generously gave himself) has chalked up some extraordinary statistics.

• 22 years on Sunrise
• 13 Olympic Games
• $158 million raised for cancer research with Tour De Cure

But, it’s the lesser-known statistics that truly makes Beretts one of the all-time greats.

• 1458 = The amount of times he seamlessly weaved into conversation that he’s a former water-skiing champion.
• 11 = The amount of profiteroles he famously ate in a single ad break after a cooking segment.
• 34 = The amount of consecutive days he wore lycra (which is unusual as the Tour only runs for nine days. It was either stuck to him., or he just really loves wearing lycra).

And finally.

• Zero! = The amount of times he gave an update on the Geelong football club without a hint of bias.

Now, as the crowds chant his name, and he triumphantly raises his bat to the pavilion, Mark Beretta can exit the arena with his head held high.

And that folks, is the latest in sport.

Go well sir, we’ll miss you!