Adam Hunter, West Coast Eagles AFL premiership player, dies aged 43

Former West Coast Eagles Australian Football League (AFL) premiership player Adam Hunter has passed away at the age of 43. Hunter was found deceased in his hometown of Bunbury, Western Australia.

The exact circumstances surrounding his death are currently unclear, but initial police assessments suggest there are no suspicious circumstances. The West Coast Eagles have confirmed Hunter's passing and expressed their condolences on social media. "We are deeply saddened by the passing of premiership Eagle Adam Hunter," the team posted on social media. "Our thoughts are with his family, teammates and friends." West Coast Eagles players wore black armbands during training on Wednesday as a mark of respect.

Hunter played 151 games for the West Coast Eagles over 10 seasons, primarily as a defender, but also kicked 86 goals. He was a key member of the West Coast Eagles' 2006 premiership-winning team, kicking a crucial goal in the final quarter to help the team defeat Sydney by one point. Hunter also played in the 2005 Grand Final, which they ultimately lost to the Sydney Swans. He retired from the AFL in 2009 due to ongoing shoulder and knee injuries.

Hunter's local club, the South Bunbury Football Club, also expressed their condolences on social media, stating they were mourning his passing with "very heavy hearts." Western Australia Police Commissioner Col Blanch stated that a report on Hunter's death is being prepared for the coroner. Commissioner Blanch said, "We understand that there are no suspicious circumstances relating to his death at this time. I am very mindful of protecting the family's privacy."

Hunter's death is the fourth to rock the AFL community this week. It follows the passing of former Brisbane Lions player Troy Selwood and Essendon VFL coach Dale Tapping on Tuesday, while former Adelaide Crows player Josh Mail died earlier this week at the age of 50 after battling cancer. Selwood, the brother of Geelong champion captain Joel, was 40 years old. His death has been confirmed by the AFL in a statement released by the Selwood family, but no details about his cause of death have been released. Tapping, who had served as an assistant coach at both Essendon and Brisbane in the AFL, was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, an aggressive blood cancer, in January 2023. He was 59 years old at the time of his death.