West Coast and the rest of the AFL community are mourning the loss of Adam Hunter after the former Eagles player died at the age of 43.
Police and ambulance were called to Hunter’s residence in Bunbury – 175km south of Perth – at about 12.20am on Wednesday after he was found unresponsive, but he couldn’t be revived. Hunter was declared dead at the scene, and WA Police released a statement saying the death is being considered non-suspicious. A report will be prepared for the coroner.
The 2006 premiership star played 151 games for the Eagles over a decade-long AFL career from 2000-09, before injuries led to his premature retirement.
Hunter kicked a career-best 29 goals in 2006, including a crucial major in the final stages of that year’s epic one-point grand-final win over Sydney. His iconic celebration was etched in Eagles folklore as they gained revenge on the Swans for their defeat in the previous year’s decider.
West Coast led a touching tribute for Hunter on Wednesday morning, with players and staff holding a minute’s silence out on the field at Mineral Resources Park before training. The words “Vale Adam Hunter” with a photo of him celebrating the 2006 flag were displayed on the big screen.
Hunter’s former coach John Worsfold, who is now head of football at West Coast, addressed the player group on Wednesday to help everyone digest the devastating news.
“I was lucky enough to coach ‘Hunts’ for a long time and he was just one of those players who put in 100 per cent [with] everything he did at the club,” Worsfold said in a statement. “All he wanted to do was play footy with his mates and share success with them.
“I know a lot of his teammates are reflecting on what he brought to them as a group and as footballers. Out of all my time in footy, which is a long time now, he’s probably the player that loved the game more than any player I’ve seen.”
South West Football League club South Bunbury, where Hunter was playing up until his death, also paid tribute. It’s believed Hunter trained with the club on Tuesday night, just hours before his death.
We are devastated by the loss of 2006 Premiership Eagle Adam Hunter.
— West Coast Eagles (@WestCoastEagles) February 5, 2025
Our thoughts are with his family, teammates and friends ♥️ pic.twitter.com/XMXIxKJn9b
South Bunbury announced they would throw open their doors at 5.30pm WST on Wednesday for their members to come together and talk about the tragic news.
“It is with very heavy hearts this morning that we mourn the passing of Adam Hunter,” the club said on Facebook. “We extend our deepest sympathies to Adam’s family and friends during this incredibly difficult time.”
Worsfold wasn’t surprised Hunter was still playing footy in his 40s.
“I understand that he went to footy training last night and had a kick for South Bunbury, because that’s just what he does,” Worsfold said. “It makes me smile inside to know that one of the last things he did was he went to footy training, and he would’ve loved it I can guarantee that.”
Hunter’s death continues a tragic week for the AFL, after former Brisbane Lions player Troy Selwood and Essendon VFL coach Dale Tapping both died on Tuesday. Selwood’s twin brother Adam was a teammate of Hunter’s at West Coast.
Hunter battled legal issues after his AFL career and was fined $400 for possessing cocaine when stopped by West Australian police in 2014.
During his prime, Hunter was one of the AFL’s best defenders. But it was his ability to swing forward late in games to kick crucial goals that made him an even bigger asset.
Hunter was just 27 when he played his last AFL game, with a debilitating shoulder injury bringing an end to his top-level career in 2009.
The AFL and the AFL Players’ Association also paid tribute to Hunter following the news of his death.
