AFL community bid an emotional farewell to premiership star Adam Hunter

The AFL community and loved ones have gathered to celebrate the life and legacy of 2006 premiership player Adam Hunter who sadly passed away at the age of 43 on Wednesday, February 5.

During a moving memorial service on Thursday, February 20, friends and family joined AFL figures such as Brownlow medalist Ben Cousins and former Eagles stars Andrew Embley, Ash Hansen, Drew Banfield and Nic Naitanui to bid farewell.

Hunter’s former coach John Worsfold was among those who delivered tributes to Hunter during the emotional service, reflecting on his dedication to his teammates.

“He didn’t seek accolades. He wanted to do what was right for our team,” he said.

“We were extremely proud of having him as part of our football club. He played a massive part in what this club has achieved over its short history.

“Everyone loved ‘Hunts’, everyone enjoyed being around him.”

Hunter’s partner, Latisha Yacoub, also shared her thoughts with those in attendance, speaking of the love the two shared.

“We’ve had our fair share of ups and downs but no matter what we both knew that there’d never be anybody else,” Yacoub said.

“Some people wait a lifetime to experience the love we share.

“I will miss his constant phone calls during the day, most of which was to make sure I was asleep and then get cross when I answered the phone but he was the reason I was awake.

“One of the last quotes H said to me was ‘one day the right person will walk into your life and make you realise why every no was preparing you for the perfect yes’.

“H, you will always be my yes.”

Hunter’s mother Joanne Brown and former West Coast CEO Trevor Nisbett also spoke at the service.

Born June 18, 1981, Hunter began his football career with the South Bunbury Football Club in the South West Football League before joining Swan Districts in the West Australian Football League (WAFL) in 1999. That same year, he was drafted by the West Coast Eagles with pick 29 in the National Draft.

He made his AFL debut with the Eagles in 2000, and after a solid start, cemented his place in the team by 2005, when he took over the centre half-back role, a position previously held by Glen Jakovich.

Hunter played a pivotal role in West Coast’s 2006 premiership, with his crucial performances in the finals, including a match-winning goal in the Grand Final against Sydney. In that same year, he kicked 29 goals and earned a single Brownlow vote for his standout performance against Carlton. Hunter’s career highlight came in the 2005 qualifying final against Sydney, where he turned the game around with two key goals.

Despite suffering from debilitating knee and shoulder injuries in 2008 and 2009, Hunter remained a key figure for the Eagles, earning life membership after his 150th game. He retired in 2009 after 150 games with the club.

After retiring, Hunter returned to play for his junior club, South Bunbury, where he enjoyed a remarkable season, kicking 47 goals in just seven matches. He also contributed to the community as a patron of the South West Academy of Sport’s football program. Hunter later returned to the WAFL with Swan Districts in 2011 and was nominated to play for the Whitford Warriors in the WAAFL in 2015.