Adam Hunter: Footy clubs in mourning as West Coast Eagles lead tributes after premiership star’s tragic death

Four of Adam Hunter’s football clubs — West Coast, Swan Districts, South Bunbury and Carlisle — are leading the tributes for the AFL premiership player, who died in Bunbury on Wednesday morning. The 43-year-old was found dead in his home in the Bunbury suburb of Withers just after midnight. Police have confirmed they are treating the death as non-suspicious. West Coast — where Hunter was integral in the club’s third premiership — acknowledged the tragic news in a brief statement on social media. “We are devastated by the loss of 2006 premiership Eagle Adam Hunter,” the statement read. “Our thoughts are with his family, teammates and friends.” West Coast players are training as part of a session open for fans at Mineral Resources Park on Wednesday. The scoreboard overlooking the ground displayed another tribute, with an image of Hunter after the 2006 grand final and “Vale Adam Hunter”. The entire club, including players, staff and Hunter’s former coach John Worsfold held a minute’s silence with fans in front of the scoreboard. Players and staff, who are also wearing black armbands for the session, then returned inside again before training. South Bunbury, where Hunter was training as recently as Tuesday night, will open its doors on Wednesday evening for members to mourn. “It is with very heavy hearts this mourning that we mourn the passing of Adam Hunter,” the club said on social media. “We extend our deepest sympathies to Adam’s family and friends during this incredibly difficult time. “The club will be open today from 5.30pm for our members to come together. “If anyone needs to talk, please reach out.” Hunter’s long-time manager Anthony Van Der Wielen also paid tribute to Hunter. “I am deeply saddened by the passing of Adam Hunter. A premiership player, life member of the West Coast Eagles, fierce competitor, and above all, a great mate,” he said. “I had the privilege of managing Adam across most of his career and working alongside him well beyond his playing days, helping him transition into life after football. He was as tough and determined off the field as he was on it, never taking himself too seriously and always embracing the simple things in life. No matter the challenge, he met it with resilience and humour. “Most will remember Adam for his brilliance on the footy field—151 games for the Eagles and a key role in the 2006 premiership—but for me, his legacy runs deeper. He was loyal, hardworking, and always up for a laugh—a true friend who became part of my family. “My thoughts are with his family, friends, and all who knew and loved him. Rest easy, mate.” Swan Districts released a statement on Wednesday afternoon where current league coach Andrew Pruyn described him as “probably one of the most unselfish people I’ve seen”. “He was incredibly committed and one of the most dedicated to our cause and the football club’s success, both as a player and coach,” he said. Swans president Peter Hodyl said: “On behalf of the Swans family, our heartfelt condolences go to Adam’s family, friends and teammates at this difficult Hunter spent two years at Perth Football League club Carlisle in 2018 and 2019. The club said it was “deeply saddened”. “Rest in Peace Adam,” the Cougars said in a statement. Former Sydney star Jude Bolton, who played against Hunter in the 2005 and 2006 grand finals, led tributes from former players. “Such a sad couple of days across the entire footy industry. Bloody awful,” he posted to X. Former Hawthorn and Carlton player Daniel Harford said: “Bloody hell. Brutal.” Hundreds of fans shared their shock and sadness online on Wednesday. “Another great servant of WCE, taken far too soon, thanks for the memories Adam,” Josh A told The West. “RIP Adam. Thanks for the football memories,” Greg M added. “RIP Adam. As a 9 y.o, that Chick smother and your finish in 2006 - is one of my earliest footy memories. RIP,” James L said. It comes just one day after Essendon VFL coach Dale Tapping and ex-Brisbane Lions player Troy Selwood both died on Tuesday. Selwood’s twin brother Adam was a premiership teammate of Hunter’s at West Coast, as was younger brother Scott. The AFL Player’s Association shared their own tribute late on Wednesday, from chief executive Paul Marsh, who said it had been a tough week for the industry. He also said the organisation had nationwide services amid concerns over the wellbeing of players. “The AFLPA is mourning the passing of Adam Hunter and extend our condolences to his family, friends, teammates, and anyone who knew him in the community,” Marsh said. “This has been an incredibly sad and difficult couple of days for the industry, and we offer our support to those who played with Adam during his football career, where he played 151 AFL games and was a heart-and-soul teammate in a successful era for West Coast. “Our wellbeing services, which are nationwide, confidential, and independent, remain free and available for all AFLPA members, including current and past players and their significant others, should they require support.” Lifeline 13 11 14