One of footy star Adam Hunter’s last acts is revealed before his tragic death aged 43 – as AFL team’s classy tribute to premiership hero comes to light
Tributes have been pouring in for former West Coast Eagles star Adam Hunter, after it was announced that the former premiership player had tragically passed away on Tuesday, aged 43.
The Bunbury-born defender made 151 appearances for the Eagles during his distinguished career and played a key role in the club’s premiership tilt in 2006, kicking a vital goal in the fourth quarter of the Eagles’ Grand Final victory against Sydney.
Hunter was drafted to the footy club as pick No 29 in the 1999 National Draft and kicked 86 goals during the nine years he played in the AFL.
He retired prematurely from AFL football in 2009 due to injuries but would go on to turn out for his junior club South Bunbury in the SWFL and in later years played WAFL footy with Swans Districts.
It is understood that Hunter had trained with South Bunbury on Tuesday night, hours before his tragic passing.
On Wednesday, West Coast made a touching tribute to the former premiership winner, with club legend John Worsfold, who had coached Hunter during his time at the Eagles, praising the former footy player as a ‘wonderful contributor’ to the club’s history.
Tributes have been paid to former West Coast Eagles star Adam Hunter who has tragically passed away, aged 43
Hunter (left) played a pivotal role in the Eagles 2006 premiership winning season, kicking a goal in the final quarter of their Grand Final victory against Sydney
‘I was lucky enough to coach ‘Hunts’ for a long time and he was just one of those players who put 100 per cent into everything he did at the Club,’ Worsfold said.
‘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.’
Andrew McQualter’s side wore black armbands during their training session on Wednesday and paid tribute to Hunter with a moment of silence.
The club had also shown an image of Hunter celebrating winning the 2006 flag on an electronic screen, situated next to the Mineral Resources Park.
A guernsey which had Hunter’s number, No 39, printed on its back, was also hung on the gate into the oval during the training session.
‘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 would go on to kick a career-best 29 goals in 2006. Eleven of those goals came during the finals series
During the Eagles’ flag-winning season in 2006, Hunter would go on to boot a career-best 29 goals, 11 of which came during the West Coast’s finals series. He would also receive a Brownlow Medal vote, the only one of his career, that same season.
The following campaign, the Eagles were hampered by injuries to key stars Ben Cousins and Chris Judd but Hunter would step up again and is regarded by some as the club’s best player dor the 2007 season too.
‘He was an integral part of a wonderful footy team that played and won that 2006 premiership.
‘One of the iconic moments in this club’s history is the goal he kicks in that Grand Final, and that just sums up who he was. He didn’t seek any recognition, even from that goal.’
The Eagles also issued a statement on his tragic passing on the club’s website.
‘The West Coast Eagles are in mourning following the sudden passing of 2006 premiership player Adam Hunter on Tuesday,’ the club said.
‘Hunter was a crucial member of the successful mid-2000s Eagles teams, and was often used as a swingman who would impact games in key moments.
‘He will be fondly remembered by Eagles fans for his defining fourth-quarter goal in the one-point 2006 Grand Final win against Sydney.
‘The Club extends its deepest condolences to Hunter’s family, friends and loved ones.’
The West Coast paid tribute to Hunter on X earlier this afternoon, writing: ‘We are devastated by the loss of 2006 Premiership Eagle Adam Hunter’
Hunter is pictured left in a tribute posted by his club, the South Bunbury Tigers, who he reportedly trained with on Tuesday night
Hunter (second from left) is pictured with his Eagles teammate, footy great Chris Judd (third from left) in 2007
It comes as the AFL community has also been rocked this week by the tragic passing of Troy Selwood and Dale Tapping.
Selwood’s brother, Adam, played alongside Hunter during his time at the Eagles.
‘In times like these, unfortunately, I’ve been through it a couple of times, it just reinforces how tight-knit the footy world is,’ Worsfold said.
‘We know that two past players of this footy club in Adam and Scott Selwood lost their brother 24 or 48 hours ago. We feel for them as well.’
The Eagles added: ‘West Coast’s sympathies are also with the Selwood and Tapping families at this difficult time for the football community.’
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