The West Coast Eagles are in mourning following the sudden passing of 2006 premiership player Adam Hunter on Tuesday night, aged 43.
Hunter was a Life Member of the Club and played 151 games.
Current Head of Football and 2006 premiership coach John Worsfold today paid tribute to a ‘wonderful contributor’ to the Club’s history.
“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 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.
“I understand that he went to footy training last night and had a kick for South Bunbury, because that’s just what he does.
“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 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.
“He was an integral part of a wonderful footy team that played and won that 2006 premiership,” Worsfold said.
“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 Club extends its deepest condolences to Hunter’s family, friends and loved ones.
Players wore black armbands on Wednesday and joined staff for a moment’s silence before training.
West Coast’s sympathies are also with the Selwood and Tapping families at this difficult time for the football community.
“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.”
