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Lachie Hunter
Lachie Hunter
Lachie Hunter
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Lachlan Hunter (born 13 December 1994) is a former professional Australian rules footballer who played for the Western Bulldogs and Melbourne in the Australian Football League (AFL).

Key Information

Hunter was drafted with the 49th selection in the 2012 AFL draft, and made his debut for the Western Bulldogs the following year. He is a Bulldogs premiership player, a former vice-captain, a Charles Sutton Medallist and Gary Dempsey Medallist, a winner of the Rose–Sutton Medal and a member of the 2016 22under22 team. He has placed in the top 10 of the Bulldogs best and fairest voting for five consecutive years.

Early life

[edit]

Hunter was born to former Western Bulldogs player Mark Hunter and former professional Lacrosse player Colleen Hunter (née McVeigh).[1][2] Hunter played junior football for the Williamstown Juniors from the Under 9 divisions all the way until he finished the under 16 divisions.[3] Hunter completed his schooling at St Kevin's College, where he played for the school team alongside future teammates Tom Liberatore and Mitch Wallis.[4] He also played with the Western Jets in the TAC Cup program.[5] He had signs of becoming a prominent player early on, kicking 3 goals and having 37 disposals in a game against the Eastern Ranges Football Club.[6] Hunter also featured in the Under 18 Vic Metro team in the 2012 AFL Under 18 Championships, playing four out of five games and picking up an influential 23 disposals in the team's 96-point demolition of Tasmania in the 2nd round of the championships.[7]

Hunter was recruited by the Western Bulldogs in the 2012 National Draft, with pick 49 under the father–son rule, as he was the son of Mark Hunter, who had played 130 games for the Bulldogs from 1988 to 1996, thus making him eligible for selection.[8][9][10]

AFL career

[edit]

Western Bulldogs

[edit]

In his debut year, Hunter played predominantly as a half-forward, usually named on the interchange. Hunter made his debut in Round 13, 2013, against Richmond at Etihad Stadium.[11] Before his debut, then Bulldogs coach Brendan McCartney stated "He’s very creative, he just understands the game and when the ball is near him, good things happen – so we are looking forward to him debuting and going from there."[12] In his debut game, Hunter collected 19 disposals, 5 marks, 2 behinds[13] and kicked one goal with just his second kick in his AFL career.[14] Hunter then played in all the remaining games for the season, except in the Bulldogs' 4- and 28-point victories over Greater Western Sydney and Carlton in Rounds 15 and 20.[15] Hunter received a Mark of the Year nomination in the 21st round of the season after he took a Spectacular mark over fellow teammate Tom Campbell and Adelaide player Ben Rutten.[16][17] He finished the season with a disposal efficiency of 75.6% and an average of 13.2 disposals and 2.9 inside 50s per game.[18] Hunter signed a contract extension that kept him at the club until 2016 in December 2013.[19]

Hunter had another consistent season in 2014, playing 14 games. He had his best game for the season in the first round of the season in the Western Bulldogs' 65-point loss to West Coast, kicking 2 goals and a behind, as well as collecting 24 disposals, 5 marks and 4 tackles.[20] Hunter received his second Mark of the Year nomination for his career, after his mark on Todd Goldstein in the Western Bulldogs' 29-point loss to North Melbourne in the 2nd round of the 2014 AFL season.[21] Hunter finished the season averaging 14 disposals a game, with coach Brendan McCartney stating "He has displayed a range of admirable qualities in his short time at the Club and although Lachie’s best footy is still to come, we are pleased with the way he is tracking."[22] Hunter was given the Number 7 guernsey, swapping his previous number, 26.[23]

After a shaky start to the 2015 season, Hunter rapidly improved to secure a spot in the Western Bulldogs' finals team. Hunter received a club-imposed ban for being late to club training, resulting in him missing many of the opening rounds of the season.[24] Hunter was moved to the wing towards the late end of the season and he quickly became central to the team's efforts, averaging 30 disposals from Round 17 to Round 23 when he made the move to the wing.[24] In the 17th round of the season, Hunter won the Rose–Sutton Medal, which was awarded to the player who displays the most courage, skill, leadership and sportsmanship in games between the Western Bulldogs and Collingwood.[25][26] In that game he was also named as best on ground,[27] as he broke his career record for most disposals by 8, reaching a new record of 32.[28] He also collected 1 goal, 10 marks and 10 scoring involvements, as well as 516 metres gained.[29][28] He had his best game for the season the very next round, in the Western Bulldogs' 87-point demolition of Essendon. He collected 36 disposals, again breaking his career record for most disposals, and also kicked a behind, laid 4 tackles and took 6 marks.[30] He was named as one of the Bulldogs' best on ground.[31]

Hunter enjoyed a breakthrough season in 2016, cementing his place in the Bulldogs' senior team and enhancing a reputation as one of the league's most prolific wingmen. He played every game for the Bulldogs and at one stage in the season was considered in the running to make the All-Australian team.[32] Hunter got his first above-40 disposal count, collecting 44 in the Western Bulldogs' 16-point loss to North Melbourne in the 10th round of the 2016 season, after he had to make up for the losses of important backmen Bob Murphy, Matthew Suckling and Jason Johannisen.[33] Hunter also took 6 marks and made 4 clearances.[34] An illegal tackle from North Melbourne player Lindsay Thomas saw Hunter go to hospital after the game with concussion-like symptoms, but he recovered in time for the next round.[35] He also had good games in rounds 2 and 11, where he collected 35 and 38 disposals, and kicked a goal in both games.[36][37] Hunter collected 85 disposals over the course of the 2016 AFL finals series, averaging around 21 disposals a game. He played in the Western Bulldogs' 62 year premiership drought-breaking team, collecting 19 disposals, 1 behind, 4 tackles and 1 mark.[38] He finished the season as the club's leading disposal getter with 719 in total, averaging nearly 28 disposals per game, ranking him sixth overall in the AFL.[39] He was ranked as the number one uncontested ball winner in the AFL,[39] ending the year with 514 uncontested possessions.[40] Hunter also came second at the club for inside 50s and equal third for goal assists. Hunter was recognized for his achievement when he finished third in the club's best and fairest count, winning the Gary Dempsey Medal.[41][42][43] He also received 13 Brownlow votes.[44]

Hunter played every game in the 2017 season,[45][46] proving himself as one of the Western Bulldogs' key players. Hunter signed a new contract in April which kept him at the Bulldogs until the end of 2019.[47] He had one of his best games for the season in the Western Bulldogs' 16-point loss to Fremantle in the 3rd round of the season, where he kicked the first 3 goals for the Bulldogs, collected 26 disposals, took 6 marks and had 4 inside-50s.[48][49] He had a similarly good game in the Western Bulldogs' 14-point win against Collingwood in round 1 of the season, where he kicked 3 goals, collected 21 disposals, and took 6 marks and 2 tackles.[50] He was named as one of the Western Bulldogs' best on ground.[51] Hunter finished the season in 6th place in the Charles Sutton Medal count, gathering 125 votes, 60 votes behind first-placed Marcus Bontempelli.[52][53][54] In November of that year, Hunter was elevated to the leadership group of the Bulldogs, alongside Jordan Roughead, Jack Redpath and Jason Johannisen.[55]

Lachie Hunter at training in 2018

The 2018 AFL season saw Hunter have one of his best seasons yet, obtaining the club's best and fairest award. In round 7, Hunter captained the Bulldogs in their 9-point win over Gold Coast in an AFL match, filling in for the injured captain and vice-captain Easton Wood and Marcus Bontempelli.[56][57] Hunter, alongside Jack Macrae and Jason Johannisen, was named as best on ground for the Bulldogs,[57] after gathering 34 disposals, 9 marks and 3 tackles.[58] Hunter played his 100th game in the Bulldogs' 54-point loss to West Coast in the 18th round of the 2018 AFL season. He collected 28 disposals, took 5 marks and laid 4 tackles,[59] named as one of the team's best on ground in the big loss.[60] Hunter tied his career record for most disposals in a game in a standout performance in the Bulldogs' 7-point win over North Melbourne in round 21, getting 44 disposals.[61][62][63] Hunter was rewarded with the Charles Sutton Medal at the end of the season.[64][65] He collected 191 votes, just 1 vote ahead of second-placed Jack Macrae.[66][67] Hunter led the club in marks and disposals for the total season, getting 117 and 626 respectively.[68][69]

2019 was another consistent season for Hunter in his second year as a member of the team's leadership group, playing every game of the season, including the Bulldogs' elimination final loss to Greater Western Sydney. Hunter signed a major 5-year contract extension on 12 March 2019, tying him to the club until 2024.[70][71][72] Hunter stated that "I’ve clearly wanted to play for this club my whole life, and to be able to do that over an extended period now is a really good feeling,"[70][71] Hunter was a crucial part of the Bulldogs' 8-point win over Melbourne in the 17th round of the 2019 AFL season, gathering 37 disposals, kicking a goal, taking 10 marks and laying 5 tackles,[73] getting named in the Bulldogs' best for the game.[74] Hunter also bolstered the Bulldogs' effort against Fremantle in Round 6 of the season, collecting 32 disposals, 8 marks and a goal.[75] He was named as the Bulldogs' best on ground.[76] Hunter finished in 6th place in the Charles Sutton Medal count, 138 votes behind first-placed Marcus Bontempelli.[77][78][79] This made it his fourth consecutive year in a row getting named in the Top 10 of the best and fairest voting. In December 2019, Hunter was appointed the vice-captain of the Western Bulldogs, after previous vice-captain Marcus Bontempelli stepped up to the role of captaincy.[80][81][82]

The 2020 AFL season was a chaotic one for Hunter, with drink-driving offences and personal issues pushing him out of the team, reducing him to a total of just 10 games played in the COVID-19 affected season. Hunter only vice-captained the Bulldogs for one game, the team's 52-point loss to Collingwood in the opening round of the season.[83] In April 2020, after a drunk driving offence, he was suspended for four games[84][85][86] and voluntarily relinquished the vice captaincy.[87][88][89] He was also fined $5000 for drink driving and given suspended fines for offences involving breaching of social distancing.[90] Hunter came back into the team for Rounds 6 and 7, and averaged 26.5 disposals and 4 marks per game,[91][92] but then took a break for personal reasons,[93][94][95] missing the next five rounds.[96][97][98] Hunter had one of his best games for the season in his return to the team in Round 12, collecting 29 disposals, a goal and 6 marks[99] in a game where he ruled out rumours of a trade, after grabbing his Bulldogs jumper in celebration at kicking a goal.[100][101] Hunter was praised as one of the team's best players in the match.[102] He had his best game for the season in the Bulldogs' season-defining 5-goal win over Fremantle in the final round of the home and away season, which saw the team obtain a place in the finals series. In this game, he collected 35 disposals, kicked 1 goal and 3 behinds, and took 7 marks.[103] He was named the second best player for the Bulldogs, behind Tom Liberatore.[104] Despite missing nearly half of the season, Hunter finished 9th in the Charles Sutton Medal voting at the conclusion of the season, with a total of 84 votes, 121 behind first-placed Caleb Daniel.[105][106][107]

Hunter had a much different season in 2021 to his previous few, playing as a high half-forward due to the team's large amount of midfield depth. It was revealed that Hunter had played through the second half of the team's Round 8 win over Carlton with a broken hand,[108] being lauded by teammate Josh Bruce[109] and coach Luke Beveridge for his courage.[110] He had surgery on his hand in the wake of his injury.[111]

Hunter was traded to the Melbourne Football Club at the end of the 2022 AFL season.[112]

Melbourne

[edit]

Hunter made his debut with Melbourne in round 1 of the 2023 season, and went on to play 24 out of a possible 25 games in his first season at the club. However, Hunter only managed two senior games in 2024, and announced his retirement on the 26th of September 2024.[113] Hunter ended his career on 199 AFL matches, across both clubs he played for.

Personal life

[edit]

Hunter is the cousin of Mark McVeigh and Jarrad McVeigh, who played for Essendon and Sydney respectively.[1]

Statistics

[edit]

Updated to the end of the 2025 season.[114]

Legend
  G  
 Goals
  K  
 Kicks
  D  
 Disposals 
  T  
 Tackles
  B  
 Behinds 
  H  
 Handballs 
  M  
 Marks
Season Team No. Games Totals Averages (per game) Votes
G B K H D M T G B K H D M T
2013 Western Bulldogs 26 9 4 4 66 53 119 25 16 0.4 0.4 7.3 5.9 13.2 2.8 1.8 0
2014 Western Bulldogs 26 14 9 13 126 72 198 51 37 0.6 0.9 9.0 5.1 14.1 3.6 2.6 0
2015 Western Bulldogs 7 13 3 5 147 140 287 64 28 0.2 0.4 11.3 10.8 22.1 4.9 2.2 2
2016# Western Bulldogs 7 26 10 14 391 328 719 146 66 0.4 0.5 15.0 12.6 27.7 5.6 2.5 13
2017 Western Bulldogs 7 22 18 9 302 195 497 115 56 0.8 0.4 13.7 8.9 22.6 5.2 2.5 2
2018 Western Bulldogs 7 21 8 10 343 283 626 117 58 0.4 0.5 16.3 13.5 29.8 5.6 2.8 9
2019 Western Bulldogs 7 23 5 9 332 279 611 150 53 0.2 0.4 14.4 12.1 26.6 6.5 2.3 5
2020[a] Western Bulldogs 7 10 4 8 137 117 254 54 22 0.4 0.8 13.7 11.7 25.4 5.4 2.2 6
2021 Western Bulldogs 7 25 10 7 326 220 546 125 60 0.4 0.3 13.0 8.8 21.8 5.0 2.4 0
2022 Western Bulldogs 7 10 2 5 118 77 195 54 26 0.2 0.5 11.8 7.7 19.5 5.4 2.6 0
2023 Melbourne 12 24 6 3 308 230 538 100 42 0.3 0.1 12.8 9.6 22.4 4.2 1.8 3
2024 Melbourne 12 2 1 0 18 9 27 6 0 0.5 0.0 9.0 4.5 13.5 3.0 0.0 0
2025 Melbourne 12 0 — — — — — — — — — — — — — — 0
Career 199 80 87 2614 2003 4617 1007 464 0.4 0.4 13.1 10.1 23.2 5.1 2.3 40

Notes

  1. ^ The 2020 season was played with 17 home-and-away matches per team (down from 22) and 16-minute quarters with time on (down from 20-minute quarters with time on) due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Honours and achievements

[edit]

Team

Individual

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Lachie Hunter

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Lachlan "Lachie" Hunter (born 13 December 1994) is a former professional Australian rules footballer and current coach in the Australian Football League (AFL) system. He played 199 senior games across 12 seasons with the Western Bulldogs and Melbourne Demons from 2013 to 2024, amassing 80 goals and contributing to the Bulldogs' 2016 premiership victory. Since retiring from playing due to persistent calf injuries, Hunter has transitioned into coaching, joining the Sydney Swans as an AFL Women's (AFLW) assistant coach in August 2025. The son of former player Mark Hunter, who played 130 games for the club between 1988 and 1996, Lachie was recruited as a father-son selection with pick No. 49 in the . He made his AFL debut in 2013 and established himself as a versatile midfielder-forward, playing 173 games and kicking 73 goals for the Bulldogs over the next decade. His standout seasons included 2016, when he played a key role in the Bulldogs' drought-breaking premiership win and polled 13 votes, and 2018, when he won the club's award, the . In October 2022, Hunter was traded to in exchange for the Demons' future third-round draft pick, seeking a new challenge after a decade at his boyhood club. He added 26 games and seven goals for in 2023 and 2024 but was limited to just two senior appearances in his final season due to ongoing injury issues. Hunter announced his retirement on 25 September 2024 at the age of 29, citing his body's signals that it was time to step away from the elite level. In his post-playing career, he has embraced , taking up his role with the Swans' AFLW program to support the growth of women's football.

Early life

Family background

Lachlan "Lachie" Hunter was born on 13 December 1994. His father, Mark Hunter, was a professional Australian rules footballer who played 130 games for the Footscray Football Club (now ) between 1988 and 1996. Mark's tenure with the club included acting as captain on six occasions and participating in three finals series, providing a strong familial connection to the organization. Lachie's mother, Colleen Hunter, was a talented lacrosse player who represented in four World Cups. Due to Mark's history with the , Lachie became eligible for the AFL's father-son draft rule, which ultimately facilitated his selection by the club in 2012.

Junior football and education

Hunter began his junior football career with the Williamstown Juniors in Melbourne's western suburbs, playing from the under-9s through to the under-16s level, during which time his father Mark served as coach for most of those teams. The club experienced considerable success in those years, fostering Hunter's development as a versatile midfielder. He attended St Kevin's College in for his secondary education and represented the school's football team in the Associated Public Schools (APS) competition. Alongside future AFL players such as and Mitch Wallis, Hunter honed his skills in this competitive environment, balancing academics with his growing football commitments. Progressing to elite junior levels, Hunter joined the Western Jets in the TAC Cup competition for the 2011 and 2012 seasons, where he established himself as a reliable ball-winner. His performances earned him a spot in the 2012 TAC Cup Team of the Year. Additionally, he represented Vic Metro in the 2012 AFL Under 18 Championships, playing in multiple matches and averaging 15.5 disposals per game. These achievements, combined with his family's football heritage—his father Mark having played 130 games for Footscray—positioned Hunter for selection via the AFL's father-son recruitment pathway. The successfully bid for him at the 2012 father-son meeting, securing his draft rights with their third-round pick.

AFL career

Western Bulldogs (2013–2022)

Hunter was selected by the with pick 49 in the 2012 AFL National Draft under the father-son rule, as his father Mark had played 130 games for the club (then known as Footscray). He made his AFL debut in Round 13 of the 2013 season against Richmond at Etihad Stadium, recording 19 disposals, five marks, three tackles, and one goal in the Bulldogs' 60-point loss to Richmond. Over his early years, Hunter primarily played as a half-forward before transitioning to a wing and midfield role around 2015, which allowed him to increase his ball-winning output and become a key outside runner. This positional shift contributed to a breakout 2016 season, where he played 22 of the 23 home-and-away games and featured in every finals match, including the elimination final, semi-final, preliminary final, and . In the against , which the Bulldogs won by 22 points to secure their first premiership since 1954, Hunter amassed 19 disposals and four tackles. Hunter's leadership grew within the club, earning him a vice-captaincy appointment in December 2019 alongside captain , a role he held into the 2020 season before stepping down following an off-field incident. At the conclusion of the 2022 season, after 10 years and consistent contributions as a versatile , Hunter requested a trade and was dealt to in exchange for the Demons' future third-round draft pick. During his tenure with the Bulldogs from 2013 to 2022, he played 173 games and kicked 73 goals.

Melbourne (2023–2024)

At the conclusion of the , Lachie Hunter was traded from the to the Demons in exchange for Melbourne's future third-round draft selection. The 27-year-old signed a two-year contract with the Demons, seeking a fresh start after a challenging period at his former club marked by limited game time. This move reunited him with several ex-Bulldogs teammates, including , and positioned him as a key addition to Melbourne's midfield-wing rotation. Hunter debuted for in Round 1 of the 2023 season, lining up on the wing against the at the and collecting 12 disposals in a 50-point victory. He quickly adapted to the Demons' high-pressure system, playing 24 games that year and demonstrating versatility by shifting between wing and half-forward roles to support the team's contested ball wins. Key highlights included a standout 30-disposal performance in Round 16 against , where his run and carry helped Melbourne control territory, and contributions in series—featuring in the qualifying final loss to Collingwood. Hunter kicked six goals across the season, often providing forward pressure and linking play from the midfield. The 2024 season proved more difficult for Hunter, as recurring injuries, including a calf complaint, restricted him to just two senior appearances early in the year—Round 1 against and Round 2 against Essendon—where he managed 27 disposals and one goal combined. These setbacks, coupled with evolving team dynamics and increased competition for midfield spots under coach , diminished his role, leading to extended time in the VFL with . Over his two seasons at , Hunter featured in 26 games and scored seven goals, offering reliable outside run before injuries curtailed his output and influenced the club's list decisions.

Career statistics

AFL statistics

Lachie Hunter concluded his AFL career with 199 games, 80 goals, 4617 disposals, 464 tackles, and 1007 marks, averaging 23.2 disposals, 2.3 tackles, and 5.1 marks per game. The following table summarizes his year-by-year AFL statistics:
YearTeamGamesGoalsDisposalsTacklesMarks
2013Western Bulldogs941191625
2014Western Bulldogs1491983751
2015Western Bulldogs1332872864
2016Western Bulldogs261071966146
2017Western Bulldogs221849756115
2018Western Bulldogs21862658117
2019Western Bulldogs23561153150
2020Western Bulldogs1042542254
2021Western Bulldogs251054660125
2022Western Bulldogs1021952654
2023Melbourne24653842100
2024Melbourne212706
Total1998046174641007
Source: AFL Tables Hunter's statistics broken down by club are as follows:
ClubGamesGoalsDisposalsTacklesMarks
(2013–2022)173734052422901
(2023–2024)26756542106
Career Total1998046174641007
Source: AFL Tables Notable seasonal highs include his 2016 campaign with the , where he played all 26 games and averaged 27.7 disposals, contributing to the team's premiership success. In 2018, Hunter's best-and-fairest year, he featured in 21 games, kicking 8 goals and averaging 29.8 disposals, 2.8 tackles, and 5.6 marks per game.

VFL and representative statistics

Hunter began his competitive senior-level football in the TAC Cup (now NAB League), the Victorian Football League's under-18 competition, with the Western Jets. In 2011, as a bottom-age player, he made his debut and contributed to the team's development program, though specific game logs from that season are limited in public records. In 2012, Hunter emerged as a key forward-midfielder for the Jets, playing in the majority of their 17 regular-season games. Notable performances included a six-goal haul against the Pioneers, showcasing his potential as a father-son prospect for the . Hunter represented Vic Metro in the 2012 AFL Under 18 Championships as part of the Division 1 winning team, contributing including scoring a against Vic Country in the championship match under coach Rohan Smith. Specific individual stats from the carnival beyond this are not detailed in available records, but his selection underscored his standing among Victoria's elite prospects. Following his AFL retirement in 2024, Hunter returned to competitive play in the senior VFL with the ' affiliate team in 2025, signing as a listed player to stay involved in the game while transitioning to coaching. He appeared in three matches early in the season, primarily in defensive and forward roles. In Round 4 against Werribee Tigers, he recorded 19 disposals and 8 marks; Round 6 versus GWS Giants saw 22 disposals and 8 marks; and in Round 8 against Carlton, he amassed a game-high 33 disposals.

VFL Career Highlights Table

YearTeam/AffiliateGamesGoalsKey Performance Example
2011–2012Western Jets (TAC Cup)~15 (est. based on draft profile)Unknown6 goals vs. Pioneers (2012)
2012Vic Metro (U18 Championships)UnknownAt least 1Goal vs. Vic Country, contributed to Division 1 title win
2025 (VFL)3033 disposals vs. Carlton (R8)
Aggregated across his VFL and representative appearances, Hunter participated in approximately 22 games (excluding AFL-era reserves), with notable goal-scoring performances in his junior years. These outings provided foundational experience that complemented his later AFL career totals of 199 games.

Retirement and post-playing career

Retirement announcement

On 25 September 2024, following the conclusion of the 2024 AFL season, Lachie Hunter announced his immediate retirement from the Australian Football League after a 12-year career that spanned 199 games across the Western Bulldogs and Melbourne. Hunter cited the physical toll of the game as a primary factor in his decision, explaining that persistent calf injuries had limited him to just two senior appearances in 2024 and that his body was signaling it was time to step away, despite his mind remaining eager to continue. He also expressed a desire to transition to the next chapter of his life after dedicating over a decade to the sport, while acknowledging the support of his family throughout his journey. The announcement drew tributes from both clubs. Melbourne's director of football and former coach Alan Richardson praised Hunter's resilience and work ethic, noting his pride in the achievements across 12 seasons and welcoming him and his family back to the club anytime. The acknowledged Hunter's contributions, highlighting his role in their 2016 premiership victory and his 2018 as their player during his 173-game tenure. Hunter's final AFL game came in round 12 of the 2024 season on 2 June, when he featured for in a heavy 92-point loss to at Stadium, recording seven disposals before the Demons were eliminated from finals contention later that year.

Coaching and VFL involvement

Following his retirement from AFL football at the end of the 2024 season, Lachie Hunter signed with the ' VFL team in April 2025, allowing him to continue playing at a lower level while transitioning out of professional ranks. In August 2025, Hunter was appointed as an assistant coach for the ' AFLW team, specifically serving as the defensive or backline coach ahead of the 2025 season. This role leverages his extensive playing experience, including 199 AFL games and a 2016 premiership with the , to mentor the Swans' defensive unit. Hunter shared insights into his new coaching responsibilities during the September 2025 episode of the Sydney Swans' "More than Footy" , where he discussed the rapid growth of women's football, including record crowds at venues like . He reflected on the Swans AFLW team's early-season challenges, such as losses to Collingwood and GWS Giants, and emphasized the lessons in resilience and structure he imparts to players. Hunter's motivations for remaining involved in football post-retirement center on his passion for the game and desire to contribute through , as he described the "joy of " and his strong relationship with Swans figures like Mark and during the . He highlighted his transition from to as an opportunity to build on his playing career while pursuing long-term aspirations. The Swans finished the 2025 AFLW season in 9th place with six wins and six losses, missing , after which head coach Scott Gowans was parted ways with on 6 November 2025. Hunter remained in his assistant role.

Personal life

Family connections

Lachie Hunter is a first to former AFL players and , both of whom had distinguished careers in the league. played 325 games for the from 2004 to 2019, serving as co-captain during the club's 2012 premiership victory. , meanwhile, appeared in 232 games for Essendon from 1999 to 2012, establishing himself as a reliable defender and midfielder. This familial tie stems from Hunter's maternal lineage, with his mother, Colleen Hunter (née McVeigh), being the sister of Tony McVeigh, the father of the McVeigh brothers. , a former world-class player, thus connects Hunter directly to this prominent AFL family network. The McVeigh cousins significantly influenced Hunter's early career trajectory and provided ongoing support throughout his professional journey. For instance, Mark McVeigh's involvement encouraged Hunter to begin his junior football at Essendon, reflecting the family's deep-rooted guidance in navigating club pathways and within the AFL ecosystem. This network not only shaped Hunter's initial opportunities but also offered a robust support system during key milestones, such as his 2016 premiership with the .

Relationships

Hunter was in a long-term relationship with Maddison Sullivan-Thorpe, beginning as childhood sweethearts in the early 2010s. The couple became engaged in October 2019. They faced challenges with , undergoing multiple rounds of IVF treatment, which Sullivan-Thorpe publicly discussed in 2020 after deciding to pause efforts following unsuccessful attempts. The relationship ended in a separation around 2023, with details emerging publicly in 2025. Sullivan-Thorpe shared that the breakdown, compounded by their struggles, left her emotionally devastated, describing it as leaving her a "shell of a ." The couple did not have children. As of November 2025, Hunter's relationship status is not publicly known.

Off-field interests

Hunter has demonstrated a commitment to community engagement through various initiatives during his playing career. In 2015, he visited St Theresa's Primary School in Melbourne to help launch the Experience AFL program, a state government pilot aimed at introducing primary school students to Australian rules football. Similarly, in 2018, Hunter participated in the AFL Community Camp by joining training sessions at the Sebastopol Football & Netball Club, providing guidance and inspiration to local junior players. During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, he conducted virtual catch-ups with school groups at several Victorian primary schools, including Magpie, Alfredton, and Forest Street, to support remote learning and maintain connections with young fans. Outside of football, Hunter maintains a low-key public , focusing on personal pursuits that emphasize relaxation and leisure. In a 2025 podcast appearance, he shared his enjoyment of cooking, particularly preparing lamb shoulder or beef short ribs, as a favored off-field activity. He also expressed a strong interest in , having attended the multiple times and planning to watch at the SCG. features prominently in his downtime, often as part of an ideal weekend routine that includes cooking followed by an afternoon wine. Post-retirement, Hunter has engaged in media discussions highlighting his approach to life balance. On the ' "More than Footy" , he reflected on transitioning from playing to coaching while prioritizing day-to-day interactions and personal relationships, underscoring a deliberate shift toward a more balanced lifestyle away from the demands of elite sport.

Honours and achievements

Team honours

Hunter contributed to the ' successful finals campaigns in 2015 and 2016, which culminated in the club's first AFL premiership since 1954. In 2015, the Bulldogs finished seventh on the and advanced to the elimination final, where they faced , though they were defeated by 7 points; Hunter featured in the match as part of the wing rotation, helping to secure the team's spot in action for the first time since 2010. The 2016 season saw the Bulldogs embark on a remarkable finals run from seventh place, defeating West Coast in the elimination final, in the semi-final, in the preliminary final, and ultimately again in the Grand Final by 22 points to claim the flag. Hunter played a key role across the entire finals series, appearing in all four matches as a versatile winger who averaged high disposal counts and provided drive from the midfield. In the Grand Final at the , he participated on the interchange bench, entering the game and contributing before a brief substitution under the blood rule in the final quarter, helping the Bulldogs overcome a slow start to secure the victory. After transferring to Melbourne at the end of 2022, Hunter was part of the Demons' 2023 finals series, where the team finished fourth and lost their qualifying final to Collingwood by 7 points; he played in the match, offering wing support with 18 disposals.

Individual awards

Hunter won the Western Bulldogs' best and fairest award, the Charles Sutton Medal, in 2018. He was selected in the AFL Players' Association's 22 Under 22 team in 2016. In that same year, he polled 13 votes in the Brownlow Medal count.

References

  1. https://afltables.com/afl/stats/players/L/Lachie_Hunter.html
  2. https://www.afl.com.au/news/1230440/melbourne-demons-veteran-and-western-bulldogs-premiership-player-lachie-hunter-retires
  3. https://www.sydneyswans.com.au/news/1860226/former-players-join-sydneys-aflw-coaching-ranks
  4. https://www.afl.com.au/news/856820/lachie-hunter-traded-from-western-bulldogs-to-melbourne-demons
  5. https://www.zerohanger.com/former-western-bulldogs-premiership-player-joins-aflw-coaching-ranks-166781/
  6. https://www.footywire.com/afl/club/player-biography/3842.html
  7. https://www.westernbulldogs.com.au/news/86996/mister-dependable
  8. https://www.westernbulldogs.com.au/news/10224/hunters-gun-son
  9. https://www.realestate.com.au/news/bulldogs-great-mark-hunter-lists-4m-williamstown-home/
  10. https://www.westernbulldogs.com.au/news/49565/dog-hunter
  11. https://www.footyalmanac.com.au/father-and-son-mark-and-lachlan-hunter/
  12. https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/st-kevins-colleges-best-sportspeople-since-2000-revealed/news-story/189f57a20b0ab77276e717dccc9f92ba
  13. https://www.draftguru.com.au/players/lachie_hunter/1
  14. https://websites.mygameday.app/assoc_page.cgi?c=1-3020-0-339771-0&sID=107206
  15. https://www.afl.com.au/news/124984/another-son-of-the-west-heads-to-bulldogs
  16. https://www.westernbulldogs.com.au/news/98824/dog-hunter
  17. https://www.westernbulldogs.com.au/news/722271/another-pup-re-commits
  18. https://afltables.com/afl/stats/games/2013/071420130622.html
  19. https://www.westernbulldogs.com.au/news/12352/hunter-on-the-prowl
  20. https://afltables.com/afl/stats/games/2016/071620161001.html
  21. https://www.westernbulldogs.com.au/news/540706/bontempelli-to-succeed-wood-as-captain
  22. https://www.melbournefc.com.au/news/1236815/hunter-a-demon-via-dogs-trad
  23. https://www.footywire.com/afl/footy/ft_match_statistics?mid=10755
  24. https://afltables.com/afl/stats/teams/melbourne/2023_gbg.html
  25. https://afltables.com/afl/stats/games/2023/112120230702.html
  26. https://www.afl.com.au/afl/matches/5839
  27. https://7news.com.au/sport/afl/afl-premiership-hero-lachie-hunter-announces-immediate-retirement-c-16188664
  28. https://www.zerohanger.com/afl/players/lachlan-hunter/
  29. https://www.afl.com.au/news/139440/bulldog-hunter-wins-first-bf-by-a-single-vote
  30. https://meltonmoorabool.starweekly.com.au/uncategorized/289661-tac-cup-resurgent-jets-play-for-pride/
  31. https://www.afl.com.au/news/114764/the-young-ones
  32. https://vfl.aflmstats.com/player/Lachie_Hunter
  33. https://www.sydneyswans.com.au/news/1782088/vfl-match-report
  34. https://www.melbournefc.com.au/news/1664960/hunter-calls-time
  35. https://www.footywire.com/afl/footy/pg-melbourne-demons--lachlan-hunter
  36. https://www.afl.com.au/news/1301095/teams-smithys-vfl-round-4
  37. https://www.sydneyswans.com.au/news/1902569/more-than-footy-lachie-hunter
  38. https://www.espn.com/afl/story/_/id/46843097/aflw-2025-pass-fail-every-club-pass-mark-season
  39. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-11-06/sydney-swans-inaugural-aflw-coach-scott-gowans-leaves-club/105977414
  40. https://www.sydneyswans.com.au/news/1622518/hall-of-fame-bio-jarrad-mcveigh
  41. https://www.phafl.com.au/development/mark-mcveigh-essendon-afl-club/
  42. https://www.afl.com.au/news/79456/bulldog-hunter-becomes-possession-gatherer
  43. https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/sep/27/footscray-family-ties-run-deep-as-sons-of-the-scray-prepare-for-afl-grand-final
  44. https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/a-real-father-son-flavour-to-the-bulldogs/11yc3146j
  45. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-14581677/Glamorous-WAG-celebrates-milestone-birthday-McDonalds.html
  46. https://www.news.com.au/sport/afl/western-bulldogs-star-lachie-hunters-fiance-posts-heartbreaking-instagram-message/news-story/4ca9bfd69a0f258fb45a34abf7deafab
  47. https://www.facebook.com/Sunrise/posts/the-partner-of-western-bulldogs-star-lachie-hunter-has-revealed-her-devastating-/10157620308490887/
  48. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/afl/article-14931269/Footy-WAG-Maddison-Sullivan-Thorpe-IVF-child-fertility-AFL-Lachie-Hunter.html
  49. https://www.heraldsun.com.au/health/family-health/fertility/maddison-sullivanthorpe-says-marriage-breakdown-left-her-shell-of-a-human/news-story/79f238f830be5210bcc78c59f2af83a3
  50. https://brimbanknorthwest.starweekly.com.au/news/1834227-st-theresas-primary-school-pupils-up-there-with-lachie-hunter-2/
  51. https://www.westernbulldogs.com.au/news/260728/aflcommunitycamp-wrap
  52. https://www.thecourier.com.au/story/7161564/afl-star-makes-special-video-call-to-junior-bulldog-alira-at-school/
  53. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LwGeecb0QGU
  54. https://afltables.com/afl/stats/games/2015/010720150912.html
  55. https://www.afl.com.au/matches/1157
  56. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-10-01/western-bulldogs-break-the-drought-with-22-point-win-over-swans/7895386
  57. https://afltables.com/afl/stats/games/2023/041120230907.html
  58. https://www.westernbulldogs.com.au/news/7497/hunter-wins-first-charles-sutton-medal
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