Former West Coast Eagles player Adam Hunter, a key figure in their 2006 AFL premiership victory, has passed away at the age of 43. His body was found in Bunbury, south of Perth, early Wednesday.
Hunter played 151 games for the Eagles during his decade-long AFL career from 2000 to 2009 before injuries forced him into early retirement.
In 2006, he enjoyed his best goal-scoring season with 29 goals, including a crucial one in the dying moments of the grand final against Sydney. His celebratory gesture became an iconic moment in Eagles history as they avenged their loss to the Swans from the previous year.
On Wednesday, West Coast paid tribute to Hunter on social media.
“We are devastated by the loss of 2006 Premiership Eagle Adam Hunter,” the club posted on X. “Our thoughts are with his family, teammates, and friends.”
Hunter’s passing comes during a tough week for the AFL, following the deaths of former Brisbane Lions player Troy Selwood and Essendon VFL coach Dale Tapping on Tuesday.
Troy Selwood’s twin brother, Adam Selwood, was Hunter’s teammate at West Coast.
After retiring from AFL, Hunter faced legal troubles and was fined $400 for cocaine possession after being stopped by Western Australian police in 2014.