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AFL community mourns another tragic loss following the passing of Eagles star Adam Hunter

Matthew Hart
Feb 06, 2025
The AFL community is grieving the loss of Adam Hunter, whose career with the West Coast Eagles included a premiership, unforgettable performances, and a deep love for the game. Source: Rob Hutchison/AAP PHOTOS.

The AFL community has been dealt another devastating blow following the passing of 2006 premiership star Adam Hunter at the age of 43, his death coming a day after the loss of fellow AFL star Troy Selwood.

West Australian Police and ambulance services were called to Hunter’s residence at approximately 12.20 am on Wednesday, February 5 after he was found unresponsive.

Despite efforts to revive him, Hunter was declared dead at the scene. Police have stated that his death is being considered non-suspicious.

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.

Hunter’s former coach John Worsfold, who is now head of football at West Coast, issued a heartfelt tribute to Hunter, reflecting on his love for the game.

“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.”

Worsfold’s tribute was just one of many shared following Hunter’s passing, with fans and the AFL community coming together to offer their condolences.

If you or anyone you know needs help: Lifeline — 13 11 14; MensLine Australia — 1300 789 978; BeyondBlue — 1300 224 636; Suicide Call Back Service — 1300 659 467; Headspace — 1800 650 890; Kids Helpline — 1800 551 800.

-with AAP.

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