'Didn't want to retire': John Worsfold pays beautiful tribute to premiership Eagle Adam Hunter at emotional funeral service
Updated . First published at
West Coast Eagles 2006 premiership player Adam Hunter has been remembered as the ultimate team man at his funeral service on Thursday.
Hunter, who played 151 games for the Eagles between 2000 and 2009, died earlier this month, with his body found at a home south of Perth.
The service, held at Hands Oval in South Bunbury, saw premiership coach John Worsfold share stories of the 43-year-old's grit, determination and palpable love for the Eagles and his teammates.
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But one story stuck out for Worsfold, who coached Hunter for most of his career.
Hunter was forced to retire due to a serious shoulder injury in 2009, but it took some serious convincing from Worsfold and his team to convince him to bring the curtain down on his career.
John Worsfold said Adam Hunter was the ultimate team player. The West Australian
"He didn't want to retire through injury, even after being told that he was putting the rest of his life at risk with a bad shoulder, if he played any more footy," Worsfold began.
"He was prepared to cop that.
"He would've lived the rest of his life with one arm if he could've squeezed a few more years out at West Coast, but unfortunately we couldn't allow that."
Hunter's premiership teammates, including Ben Cousins, Ash Hansen, Quinten Lynch, Andrew Embley and Drew Banfield attended the service.
John Worsfold speaks during the funeral service for Adam Hunter. via Getty Images
Worsfold lauded Hunter's passion for the game, admitting he would have "loved" to pull on the jumper alongside him.
"I would have loved to have played alongside him. Little did I know a few years later I would be coaching him," he said.
"All he wanted to do was play footy. All he wanted to do was train and be with his mates. Everything else was secondary.
"He would never want to miss a training session. I tried to talk him into having a light night one night, but he refused it because he just wanted to be out training with the boys."
Ben Cousins and Quinten Lynch attended the service. The West Australian
Hunter was as selfless as they come according to Worsfold, declaring the club was "extremely proud" to have had him at West Coast.
"He didn't seek accolades. He wanted to do what was right for our team," he said.
"We were extremely proud of having him as part of our football club.
"He played a massive part in what this club has achieved over its short history."
Hunter's coffin was decorated with South Bunbury and Eagles flags, with the stands filled with a sea of red and white from his club's supporters and players in attendance.
South Bunbury players formed a guard of honour as Hunter's hearse left the ground.
Oscar Allen and Liam Duggan attended the funeral on behalf of the current Eagles playing group.
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