Former Eagles star Adam Hunter was remembered with a heartfelt tribute at his funeral in Bunbury, where friends, family, teammates, and fans gathered to say their final goodbyes. Hundreds of mourners traveled from all corners of the country to honor Hunter, who passed away suddenly two weeks ago at the age of 43.
The service, held at the South Bunbury Football Club, 170 km south of Perth, was attended by many from Western Australia’s football community. Among them were former West Coast Eagles teammates Ben Cousins and Quinten Lynch, who were visibly moved as they paid their respects to a man whose impact on the field will never be forgotten. It was here, at South Bunbury, that Hunter’s football journey began as a child and ended after his time in the AFL.
Hunter’s legacy as a footballer is forever linked to his defining moment in the 2006 AFL Grand Final. In one of the most iconic matches in AFL history, his last-quarter goal helped the West Coast Eagles secure a one-point victory over Sydney. It was the highlight of a career spent in one of the club’s most successful eras, cementing his place in the hearts of Eagles fans.
At the funeral, Hunter’s mother, Ms. Brown, spoke with emotion about her son’s life, remembering him as a rambunctious boy who grew into a loving and wise-cracking man. “We went on a rollercoaster ride during his life, but he came out the other side,” she said, her voice steady with pride. “He gave us so much love.”
Jarred Hahn, a childhood friend, recalled their mischievous adventures growing up together. He shared a story about Hunter’s unshakable confidence, even at a young age. “If teachers ever questioned his work ethic, he’d say, ‘It doesn’t matter, I’m going to play football for a living.'”
Former Eagles coach John Worsfold also shared memories of Hunter, recounting a game against Geelong when Hunter, injured and bandaged, came off the bench in the last quarter and kicked two vital goals, turning the match around for the Eagles. “We won because of him,” Worsfold said, summing up Hunter’s determination and grit.
Hunter retired from professional football in 2009 due to chronic shoulder and knee injuries, but his impact on the game remained. Former West Coast CEO Trevor Nisbett, who also grew up in Bunbury, reflected on Hunter’s ability to face both personal and professional challenges head-on. “He accepted the challenges on the field and off, and he was one of the most pleasant people I’ve ever met,” Nisbett said.
In recent years, Hunter returned to his roots, rejoining South Bunbury Football Club—the same club where he started his football journey as a seven-year-old. Club leader Peter Old spoke about how Hunter’s influence extended to the younger generation of players he mentored, many of whom were present at the service. Tragically, Hunter had been training with the team just hours before his sudden death.
Friend Graeme Walker, who saw Hunter as a son, reflected on his unique ability to go shoulder-to-shoulder with much bigger opponents, a testament to his fearlessness. However, like other elite players who returned to local leagues, Hunter faced significant on-field challenges, including verbal abuse from opponents.
As mourners left the service, it was clear that Adam Hunter’s memory would continue to live on, not only through his contributions to the game but in the hearts of those he touched. His legacy, both on and off the field, serves as a reminder of the determination, resilience, and passion that defined him as a footballer and as a man.