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| death_place =
| death_place =
| originalteam = Williamstown Jnrs (Vic) / [[Western Jets]] ([[TAC Cup]])
| originalteam = Williamstown Jnrs (Vic) / [[Western Jets]] ([[TAC Cup]])
| draftpick = No. 49 ([[Father-son rule|Father-son]]), [[2012 AFL Draft|2012 National Draft]], {{AFL WB}}
| draftpick = No. 49 ([[Father–son rule|father–son]]), [[2012 AFL draft|2012 national draft]], {{AFL WB}}
| debutdate = Round 13, 2013
| debutdate = Round 13, 2013
| debutteam = {{AFL WB}}
| debutteam = {{AFL WB}}
Line 19: Line 19:
| weight = 82 kg
| weight = 82 kg
| position = Wingman / Midfielder / Forward
| position = Wingman / Midfielder / Forward
| currentclub = {{AFL Mel}}
| currentclub =
| guernsey = 12
| guernsey =
| years1 = 2013–2022
| years1 = 2013–2022
| club1 = {{AFL WB}}
| club1 = {{AFL WB}}
| games_goals1 = 173 (73)
| games_goals1 = 173 (73)
| years2 = 2023–
| years2 = 2023–2024
| club2 = [[Melbourne Football Club|Melbourne]]
| club2 = [[Melbourne Football Club|Melbourne]]
| games_goals2 = 2 (1)
| games_goals2 = 26 (7)
| games_goalstotal = 175 (74)
| games_goalstotal = 199 (80)
| statsend = round 2, 2023
| statsend =
| careerhighlights =
| careerhighlights =
*[[List of Australian Football League premiers|AFL premiership player]] ([[2016 AFL Grand Final|2016]])
*[[List of Australian Football League premiers|AFL premiership player]] ([[2016 AFL Grand Final|2016]])
Line 35: Line 35:
*[[Robert Rose Cup#Bob Rose–Charlie Sutton Medal|Rose–Sutton Medal]] (2015)
*[[Robert Rose Cup#Bob Rose–Charlie Sutton Medal|Rose–Sutton Medal]] (2015)
}}
}}
'''Lachlan Hunter''' (born 13 December 1994) is a professional [[Australian rules football]]er who plays for the [[Melbourne Football Club]] in the [[Australian Football League]] (AFL), having previously played for the {{AFL WB}}. Hunter plays predominantly as an outside [[Australian rules football positions#Midfield|midfielder]] or [[Centre line (football)#Wing|wingman]], but can also play as a [[Australian rules football positions#Half-forward line|half-forward]]. He played top-level junior football with the [[Western Jets]] in the [[TAC Cup]], as well as with the Vic Metro representative team in the [[2012 AFL Under 18 Championships]].
'''Lachlan Hunter''' (born 13 December 1994) is a former professional [[Australian rules football]]er who played for the {{AFL WB}} and {{AFL Mel}} in the [[Australian Football League]] (AFL).


Hunter was drafted with the 49th selection in the [[2012 AFL draft]], and made his debut for the {{AFL WB}} the following year. He is a Bulldogs premiership player, a former vice-captain, a [[Charles Sutton Medal]]list and Gary Dempsey Medallist, a winner of the [[Robert Rose Cup#Bob Rose–Charlie Sutton Medal|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.
Hunter was drafted with the 49th selection in the [[2012 AFL draft]], and made his debut for the {{AFL WB}} the following year. He is a Bulldogs premiership player, a former vice-captain, a [[Charles Sutton Medal]]list and Gary Dempsey Medallist, a winner of the [[Robert Rose Cup#Bob Rose–Charlie Sutton Medal|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==
==Early life==
Hunter was born to former [[Western Bulldogs]] player [[Mark Hunter (footballer)|Mark Hunter]] and former professional [[Lacrosse]] player Colleen Hunter (née McVeigh).<ref name="family"/><ref>{{cite web|title=Victorian Women's Lacrosse|url=https://www.footyalmanac.com.au/victorian-womens-lacrosse/|last1=Fithall|first1=Andrew|work=The Footy Almanac|access-date=20 July 2021|date=20 August 2010}}</ref> Hunter played junior football for the Williamstown Juniors from the Under 9 divisions all the way until he finished the under 16 divisions.<ref>{{cite web|title=Hunter's gun|url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/48052/hunter-s-gun|last1=Collins|first1=Ben|date=8 October 2012|access-date=20 July 2021|work=AFL Media}}</ref> Hunter completed his schooling at [[St Kevin's College, Melbourne|St Kevin's College]], where he played for the school team alongside future teammates [[Tom Liberatore]] and [[Mitch Wallis]].<ref name="13contract">{{cite web|title=The Western Bulldogs have secured Lachie Hunter until the end of 2016|url=https://www.heraldsun.com.au/the-western-bulldogs-have-secured-lachie-hunter-until-the-end-of-2016/news-story/94af2561d0ba4e25909880c2f4e0ac9a|last1=Landsberger|first1=Sam|work=Herald Sun|date=23 December 2013|access-date=4 November 2020}}</ref> He also played with the [[Western Jets]] in the [[TAC Cup]] program.<ref>{{cite web|title=AFL: Two Western Jets drafted; Bulldogs land Jake Stringer|url=https://maribyrnonghobsonsbay.starweekly.com.au/uncategorized/1140237-afl-two-western-jets-drafted-bulldogs-land-jake-stringer/|work=StarWeekly|access-date=4 November 2020|date=22 November 2012}}</ref> 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]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/pick-me-signed-and-sealed-western-bulldog-lachie-hunter-a-devastating-goalkicker/news-story/7a4a2aa311b94035744417cc876f6836?sv=c2fe3707127e0778ab4c7d8223e709c5|date=15 November 2012|work=[[Herald Sun]]|title=Pick Me: Signed and sealed Western Bulldog Lachie Hunter a devastating goalkicker|first=Sam|last=Landsberger}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web|title=Lachlan Hunter another son of a gun|url=https://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/localfooty/lachlan-hunter-another-son-of-a-gun/news-story/74b5c4e35777f2a409e4a81d7699c015?sv=27534a6e5982fbae0fdb48f501434dc1|last1=D'Anello|first1=Luke|work=Herald Sun|date=3 September 2012|access-date=4 November 2020}}</ref>
Hunter was born to former [[Western Bulldogs]] player [[Mark Hunter (footballer)|Mark Hunter]] and former professional [[Lacrosse]] player Colleen Hunter (née McVeigh).<ref name="family"/>{{cite web|title=Victorian Women's Lacrosse|url=https://www.footyalmanac.com.au/victorian-womens-lacrosse/|last1=Fithall|first1=Andrew|work=The Footy Almanac|access-date=20 July 2021|date=20 August 2010}}</ref> Hunter played junior football for the Williamstown Juniors from the Under 9 divisions all the way until he finished the under 16 divisions.<ref>{{cite web|title=Hunter's gun|url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/48052/hunter-s-gun|last1=Collins|first1=Ben|date=8 October 2012|access-date=20 July 2021|work=AFL Media}}</ref> Hunter completed his schooling at [[St Kevin's College, Melbourne|St Kevin's College]], where he played for the school team alongside future teammates [[Tom Liberatore]] and [[Mitch Wallis]].<ref name="13contract">{{cite web|title=The Western Bulldogs have secured Lachie Hunter until the end of 2016|url=https://www.heraldsun.com.au/the-western-bulldogs-have-secured-lachie-hunter-until-the-end-of-2016/news-story/94af2561d0ba4e25909880c2f4e0ac9a|last1=Landsberger|first1=Sam|work=Herald Sun|date=23 December 2013|access-date=4 November 2020}}</ref> He also played with the [[Western Jets]] in the [[TAC Cup]] program.<ref>{{cite web|title=AFL: Two Western Jets drafted; Bulldogs land Jake Stringer|url=https://maribyrnonghobsonsbay.starweekly.com.au/uncategorized/1140237-afl-two-western-jets-drafted-bulldogs-land-jake-stringer/|work=StarWeekly|access-date=4 November 2020|date=22 November 2012}}</ref> 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]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/pick-me-signed-and-sealed-western-bulldog-lachie-hunter-a-devastating-goalkicker/news-story/7a4a2aa311b94035744417cc876f6836?sv=c2fe3707127e0778ab4c7d8223e709c5|date=15 November 2012|work=[[Herald Sun]]|title=Pick Me: Signed and sealed Western Bulldog Lachie Hunter a devastating goalkicker|first=Sam|last=Landsberger}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web|title=Lachlan Hunter another son of a gun|url=https://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/localfooty/lachlan-hunter-another-son-of-a-gun/news-story/74b5c4e35777f2a409e4a81d7699c015?sv=27534a6e5982fbae0fdb48f501434dc1|last1=D'Anello|first1=Luke|work=Herald Sun|date=3 September 2012|access-date=4 November 2020}}</ref>


Hunter was recruited by the {{AFL WB}} in the [[2012 AFL Draft|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.<ref>{{cite web|title=Dog Hunter|url=https://www.westernbulldogs.com.au/news/49565/dog-hunter|date=22 November 2012|work=Western Bulldogs Media|access-date=4 November 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Bulldogs draft years: 2012|url=https://www.westernbulldogs.com.au/news/437075/bulldogs-draft-years-2012|date=14 November 2015|work=Western Bulldogs Media|access-date=4 November 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Dogs to field five father-sons|url=https://www.westernbulldogs.com.au/news/741723/dogs-to-field-five-father-sons|date=11 July 2020|access-date=4 November 2020|work=Western Bulldogs Media}}</ref>
Hunter was recruited by the {{AFL WB}} in the [[2012 AFL Draft|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.<ref>{{cite web|title=Dog Hunter|url=https://www.westernbulldogs.com.au/news/49565/dog-hunter|date=22 November 2012|work=Western Bulldogs Media|access-date=4 November 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Bulldogs draft years: 2012|url=https://www.westernbulldogs.com.au/news/437075/bulldogs-draft-years-2012|date=14 November 2015|work=Western Bulldogs Media|access-date=4 November 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Dogs to field five father–sons|url=https://www.westernbulldogs.com.au/news/741723/dogs-to-field-five-father-sons|date=11 July 2020|access-date=4 November 2020|work=Western Bulldogs Media}}</ref>


==AFL career==
==AFL career==
===2013-2015: Early career===
===Western Bulldogs===
In his debut year, Hunter played predominantly as a half-forward, usually named on the [[Interchange (Australian rules football)|interchange]]. Hunter made his debut in Round 13, [[2013 AFL season|2013]], against {{AFL Ric}} at [[Docklands Stadium|Etihad Stadium]].<ref name="debut">{{cite web|title=Top Eagles back for Hawks clash|url=http://www.sportal.com.au/afl/news/top-eagles-back-for-hawks-clash-240303|date=20 June 2013|publisher=Sportal|access-date=6 September 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130905161132/http://www.sportal.com.au/afl/news/top-eagles-back-for-hawks-clash-240303|archive-date=5 September 2013|df=dmy-all}}</ref> 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."<ref>{{cite web|title=Hunter to debut|url=https://www.westernbulldogs.com.au/news/731261/hunter-to-debut|date=20 June 2013|work=Western Bulldogs Media|access-date=3 December 2020}}</ref> In his debut game, Hunter collected 19 disposals, 5 marks, 2 behinds<ref>{{cite web|title=Western Bulldogs vs Richmond - Player Stats|url=https://afltables.com/afl/stats/games/2013/071420130622.html|access-date=26 November 2020|work=AFLTables}}</ref> and kicked one goal with just his second kick in his AFL career.<ref>{{cite web|title=Tigers pass another test|url=https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/tigers-pass-another-test-20130622-2oq0f.html|access-date=26 November 2020|work=The Age|last1=Quayle|first1=Emma|date=23 June 2013}}</ref> Hunter then played in all the remaining games for the season, except in the Bulldogs' 4- and 28-point victories over {{AFL GWS}} and {{AFL Car}} in Rounds 15 and 20.<ref>{{cite web|title=Western Bulldogs - 2013 Game by Game Player Stats|url=https://afltables.com/afl/stats/teams/bullldogs/2013_gbg.html|access-date=26 November 2020|work=AFLTables}}</ref> 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 (Australian footballer, born 1991)|Tom Campbell]] and {{AFL Ade}} player [[Ben Rutten]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Lachie Hunter's hanger nominated for Mark of the Year|url=https://www.westernbulldogs.com.au/news/94321/hunters-hanger-nominated|date=20 August 2013|work=Western Bulldogs Media|access-date=3 December 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Hunter's hanger|url=https://www.afl.com.au/video/11308/hunter-s-hanger?videoId=11308&modal=true&type=video&publishFrom=1376816893001|date=18 August 2013|work=AFL Media|access-date=3 December 2020}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web|title= Season in review: Lachie still the Hunter|url=https://www.westernbulldogs.com.au/news/729827/season-in-review-lachie-still-the-hunter|work=Western Bulldogs Media|access-date=3 December 2020|date=1 November 2013}}</ref> Hunter signed a contract extension that kept him at the club until 2016 in December 2013.<ref>{{cite web|title=Another pup re-commits|url=https://www.westernbulldogs.com.au/news/722271/another-pup-re-commits|work=Western Bulldogs Media|date=23 December 2013|access-date=20 December 2020}}</ref>
In his debut year, Hunter played predominantly as a half-forward, usually named on the [[Interchange (Australian rules football)|interchange]]. Hunter made his debut in Round 13, [[2013 AFL season|2013]], against {{AFL Ric}} at [[Docklands Stadium|Etihad Stadium]].<ref name="debut">{{cite web|title=Top Eagles back for Hawks clash|url=http://www.sportal.com.au/afl/news/top-eagles-back-for-hawks-clash-240303|date=20 June 2013|publisher=Sportal|access-date=6 September 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130905161132/http://www.sportal.com.au/afl/news/top-eagles-back-for-hawks-clash-240303|archive-date=5 September 2013|df=dmy-all}}</ref> 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."<ref>{{cite web|title=Hunter to debut|url=https://www.westernbulldogs.com.au/news/731261/hunter-to-debut|date=20 June 2013|work=Western Bulldogs Media|access-date=3 December 2020}}</ref> In his debut game, Hunter collected 19 disposals, 5 marks, 2 behinds<ref>{{cite web|title=Western Bulldogs vs Richmond - Player Stats|url=https://afltables.com/afl/stats/games/2013/071420130622.html|access-date=26 November 2020|work=AFLTables}}</ref> and kicked one goal with just his second kick in his AFL career.<ref>{{cite web|title=Tigers pass another test|url=https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/tigers-pass-another-test-20130622-2oq0f.html|access-date=26 November 2020|work=The Age|last1=Quayle|first1=Emma|date=23 June 2013}}</ref> Hunter then played in all the remaining games for the season, except in the Bulldogs' 4- and 28-point victories over {{AFL GWS}} and {{AFL Car}} in Rounds 15 and 20.<ref>{{cite web|title=Western Bulldogs - 2013 Game by Game Player Stats|url=https://afltables.com/afl/stats/teams/bullldogs/2013_gbg.html|access-date=26 November 2020|work=AFLTables}}</ref> 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 (Australian footballer, born 1991)|Tom Campbell]] and {{AFL Ade}} player [[Ben Rutten]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Lachie Hunter's hanger nominated for Mark of the Year|url=https://www.westernbulldogs.com.au/news/94321/hunters-hanger-nominated|date=20 August 2013|work=Western Bulldogs Media|access-date=3 December 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Hunter's hanger|url=https://www.afl.com.au/video/11308/hunter-s-hanger?videoId=11308&modal=true&type=video&publishFrom=1376816893001|date=18 August 2013|work=AFL Media|access-date=3 December 2020}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web|title= Season in review: Lachie still the Hunter|url=https://www.westernbulldogs.com.au/news/729827/season-in-review-lachie-still-the-hunter|work=Western Bulldogs Media|access-date=3 December 2020|date=1 November 2013}}</ref> Hunter signed a contract extension that kept him at the club until 2016 in December 2013.<ref>{{cite web|title=Another pup re-commits|url=https://www.westernbulldogs.com.au/news/722271/another-pup-re-commits|work=Western Bulldogs Media|date=23 December 2013|access-date=20 December 2020}}</ref>


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After a shaky start to the [[2015 AFL season|2015 season]], Hunter rapidly improved to secure a spot in the {{AFL WB}}' 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.<ref name="wing">{{cite web|title=Hunter now possession gatherer|url=https://www.westernbulldogs.com.au/news/458428/hunter-now-possession-gatherer|last1=Davidson|first1=Ryan|work=AFL Media|publisher=Western Bulldogs Media|access-date=18 December 2020|date=5 September 2015}}</ref> 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.<ref name="wing"/> In the 17th round of the season, Hunter won the [[Robert Rose Cup#Bob Rose–Charlie Sutton Medal|Rose–Sutton Medal]], which was awarded to the player who displays the most courage, skill, leadership and sportsmanship in games between the {{AFL WB}} and {{AFL Col}}.<ref>{{cite web|title=Robert Rose Cup|url=https://www.robertrosefoundation.com/robert-rose-cup|access-date=18 December 2020|work=Robert Rose Foundation}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Dogs-Pies to play for Robert Rose Cup|url=https://www.westernbulldogs.com.au/news/246517/dogspies-to-play-for-robert-rose-cup|date=21 June 2019|access-date=18 December 2020|work=Western Bulldogs Media}}</ref> In that game he was also named as [[Player of the match#Australian rules football|best on ground]],<ref>{{cite web|title=Ferocious Dogs bully Pies for crucial win|url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/198447/ferocious-dogs-bully-pies-for-crucial-win|date=26 July 2015|access-date=18 December 2020|work=AFL Media|last1=Schmook|first1=Nathan}}</ref> as he broke his career record for most disposals by 8, reaching a new record of 32.<ref name="fire">{{cite web|title=Hunter fires up|url=https://www.westernbulldogs.com.au/news/454272/hunter-fires-up|date=27 July 2015|work=Western Bulldogs Media|access-date=18 December 2020}}</ref> He also collected 1 goal, 10 marks and 10 scoring involvements, as well as 516 metres gained.<ref>{{cite web|title=Western Bulldogs vs Collingwood - Player Stats|url=https://afltables.com/afl/stats/games/2015/040720150726.html|work=AFLTables|access-date=18 December 2020}}</ref><ref name="fire"/> He had his best game for the season the very next round, in the {{AFL WB}}' 87-point demolition of {{AFL Ess}}. He collected 36 disposals, again breaking his career record for most disposals, and also kicked a behind, laid 4 tackles and took 6 marks.<ref>{{cite web|title=Essendon vs Western Bulldogs - Player Stats|url=https://afltables.com/afl/stats/games/2015/050720150802.html|access-date=18 December 2020|work=AFLTables}}</ref> He was named as one of the Bulldogs' [[Player of the match#Australian rules football|best on ground]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Bulldogs blitz causes Don's demise|url=https://www.westernbulldogs.com.au/news/100107/bulldogs-blitz-causes-don-s-demise|last1=Schmook|first1=Nathan|publisher=Western Bulldogs Media|work=AFL Media|date=2 August 2015|access-date=18 December 2020}}</ref>
After a shaky start to the [[2015 AFL season|2015 season]], Hunter rapidly improved to secure a spot in the {{AFL WB}}' 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.<ref name="wing">{{cite web|title=Hunter now possession gatherer|url=https://www.westernbulldogs.com.au/news/458428/hunter-now-possession-gatherer|last1=Davidson|first1=Ryan|work=AFL Media|publisher=Western Bulldogs Media|access-date=18 December 2020|date=5 September 2015}}</ref> 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.<ref name="wing"/> In the 17th round of the season, Hunter won the [[Robert Rose Cup#Bob Rose–Charlie Sutton Medal|Rose–Sutton Medal]], which was awarded to the player who displays the most courage, skill, leadership and sportsmanship in games between the {{AFL WB}} and {{AFL Col}}.<ref>{{cite web|title=Robert Rose Cup|url=https://www.robertrosefoundation.com/robert-rose-cup|access-date=18 December 2020|work=Robert Rose Foundation}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Dogs-Pies to play for Robert Rose Cup|url=https://www.westernbulldogs.com.au/news/246517/dogspies-to-play-for-robert-rose-cup|date=21 June 2019|access-date=18 December 2020|work=Western Bulldogs Media}}</ref> In that game he was also named as [[Player of the match#Australian rules football|best on ground]],<ref>{{cite web|title=Ferocious Dogs bully Pies for crucial win|url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/198447/ferocious-dogs-bully-pies-for-crucial-win|date=26 July 2015|access-date=18 December 2020|work=AFL Media|last1=Schmook|first1=Nathan}}</ref> as he broke his career record for most disposals by 8, reaching a new record of 32.<ref name="fire">{{cite web|title=Hunter fires up|url=https://www.westernbulldogs.com.au/news/454272/hunter-fires-up|date=27 July 2015|work=Western Bulldogs Media|access-date=18 December 2020}}</ref> He also collected 1 goal, 10 marks and 10 scoring involvements, as well as 516 metres gained.<ref>{{cite web|title=Western Bulldogs vs Collingwood - Player Stats|url=https://afltables.com/afl/stats/games/2015/040720150726.html|work=AFLTables|access-date=18 December 2020}}</ref><ref name="fire"/> He had his best game for the season the very next round, in the {{AFL WB}}' 87-point demolition of {{AFL Ess}}. He collected 36 disposals, again breaking his career record for most disposals, and also kicked a behind, laid 4 tackles and took 6 marks.<ref>{{cite web|title=Essendon vs Western Bulldogs - Player Stats|url=https://afltables.com/afl/stats/games/2015/050720150802.html|access-date=18 December 2020|work=AFLTables}}</ref> He was named as one of the Bulldogs' [[Player of the match#Australian rules football|best on ground]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Bulldogs blitz causes Don's demise|url=https://www.westernbulldogs.com.au/news/100107/bulldogs-blitz-causes-don-s-demise|last1=Schmook|first1=Nathan|publisher=Western Bulldogs Media|work=AFL Media|date=2 August 2015|access-date=18 December 2020}}</ref>


===2016-2019: Breakout===
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]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Lachie Hunter having career-best AFL season in 2016, opposition coaches opt not to tag him|url=http://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/lachie-hunter-having-careerbest-afl-season-in-2016-opposition-coaches-opt-not-to-tag-him/news-story/1744701167e187135c10ba5d5721eb8c|first=Ben|last=Waterworth|work=Fox Sports|date=8 June 2016 }}</ref> Hunter got his first above-40 disposal count, collecting 44 in the {{AFL WB}}' 16-point loss to {{AFL NM}} in the 10th round of the [[2016 AFL season|2016 season]], after he had to make up for the losses of important backmen [[Robert Murphy (footballer)|Bob Murphy]], [[Matthew Suckling]] and [[Jason Johannisen]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Western Bulldogs angry with Lindsay Thomas coathanger on Lachie Hunter, says Marcus Bontempelli|url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/western-bulldogs-angry-with-lindsay-thomas-coathanger-on-lachie-hunter-says-marcus-bontempelli/news-story/52c7250aae2a23b2ebe4c827917cc614|date=30 April 2016|last1=Waterworth|first1=Ben|work=Fox Sports|access-date=18 December 2020}}</ref> Hunter also took 6 marks and made 4 clearances.<ref>{{cite web|title=North Melbourne vs Western Bulldogs - Player Stats|url=https://afltables.com/afl/stats/games/2016/071220160429.html|work=AFLTables}}</ref> An illegal tackle from {{AFL NM}} player [[Lindsay Thomas (footballer, born 1988)|Lindsay Thomas]] saw Hunter go to hospital after the game with concussion-like symptoms, but he recovered in time for the next round.<ref>{{cite web|title=Bulldog Hunter taken to hospital after Thomas hit|date=2 May 2016|last1=Twomey|first1=Callum|work=AFL Media|url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/88020/lachie-hunter-taken-to-hospital-after-lindsay-thomas-hit}}</ref> He also had good games in rounds 2 and 11, where he collected 35 and 38 disposals, and kicked a goal in both games.<ref>{{cite web|title=St Kilda vs Western Bulldogs - Player Stats|url=https://afltables.com/afl/stats/games/2016/071520160402.html|access-date=18 December 2020|work=AFLTables}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Western Bulldogs vs West Coast - Player Stats|url=https://afltables.com/afl/stats/games/2016/071820160605.html|work=AFLTables|access-date=18 December 2020}}</ref> Hunter collected 85 disposals over the course of the [[2016 AFL finals series]], averaging around 21 disposals a game. He played in the {{AFL WB}}' 62 year premiership drought-breaking team, collecting 19 disposals, 1 behind, 4 tackles and 1 mark.<ref>{{cite web|title=Sydney vs Western Bulldogs - Grand Final - Player Stats|url=https://afltables.com/afl/stats/games/2016/071620161001.html|work=AFLtables|access-date=18 December 2020}}</ref> 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.<ref name="season review">{{cite web|title=Season review: Lachie Hunter|url=https://www.westernbulldogs.com.au/news/124710/season-review-lachie-hunter|work=Western Bulldogs Media|access-date=18 December 2020|date=14 October 2016}}</ref> He was ranked as the number one uncontested ball winner in the [[Australian Football League|AFL]],<ref name="season review"/> ending the year with 514 uncontested possessions.<ref>{{cite web|title=2016 Season Stats Summary|url=https://afltables.com/afl/stats/2016s.html#sh16|work=AFLTables|access-date=18 December 2020}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web|title=Bontempelli caps stunning season with Sutton Medal|url=https://www.westernbulldogs.com.au/news/324007/bontempelli-caps-stunning-season-with-sutton-medal|date=6 October 2016|access-date=19 December 2020|work=Western Bulldogs Media}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Marcus Bontempelli caps stellar 2016 season by winning Western Bulldogs best and fairest award|url=https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/teams/western-bulldogs/marcus-bontempelli-caps-stellar-2016-season-by-winning-western-bulldogs-best-and-fairest-award/news-story/defac5e0f486656f1e693867a052f8e5|last1=Landsberger|first1=Sam|work=Herald Sun|date=5 October 2016|access-date=19 December 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Bontempelli named top dog in premiership year|url=https://wwos.nine.com.au/afl/bont-named-top-dog-in-premiership-year/70be0b27-4111-4fdc-a66a-d337b1087701|access-date=19 December 2020|work=Nine Sports|date=5 October 2016}}</ref> He also received 13 [[Brownlow Medal|Brownlow]] votes.<ref>{{cite web|title=2016 Brownlow Medal|url=https://afltables.com/afl/brownlow/brownlow2016.html|work=AFLTables|access-date=19 December 2020}}</ref>
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]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Lachie Hunter having career-best AFL season in 2016, opposition coaches opt not to tag him|url=http://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/lachie-hunter-having-careerbest-afl-season-in-2016-opposition-coaches-opt-not-to-tag-him/news-story/1744701167e187135c10ba5d5721eb8c|first=Ben|last=Waterworth|work=Fox Sports|date=8 June 2016 }}</ref> Hunter got his first above-40 disposal count, collecting 44 in the {{AFL WB}}' 16-point loss to {{AFL NM}} in the 10th round of the [[2016 AFL season|2016 season]], after he had to make up for the losses of important backmen [[Robert Murphy (footballer)|Bob Murphy]], [[Matthew Suckling]] and [[Jason Johannisen]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Western Bulldogs angry with Lindsay Thomas coathanger on Lachie Hunter, says Marcus Bontempelli|url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/western-bulldogs-angry-with-lindsay-thomas-coathanger-on-lachie-hunter-says-marcus-bontempelli/news-story/52c7250aae2a23b2ebe4c827917cc614|date=30 April 2016|last1=Waterworth|first1=Ben|work=Fox Sports|access-date=18 December 2020}}</ref> Hunter also took 6 marks and made 4 clearances.<ref>{{cite web|title=North Melbourne vs Western Bulldogs - Player Stats|url=https://afltables.com/afl/stats/games/2016/071220160429.html|work=AFLTables}}</ref> An illegal tackle from {{AFL NM}} player [[Lindsay Thomas (footballer, born 1988)|Lindsay Thomas]] saw Hunter go to hospital after the game with concussion-like symptoms, but he recovered in time for the next round.<ref>{{cite web|title=Bulldog Hunter taken to hospital after Thomas hit|date=2 May 2016|last1=Twomey|first1=Callum|work=AFL Media|url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/88020/lachie-hunter-taken-to-hospital-after-lindsay-thomas-hit}}</ref> He also had good games in rounds 2 and 11, where he collected 35 and 38 disposals, and kicked a goal in both games.<ref>{{cite web|title=St Kilda vs Western Bulldogs - Player Stats|url=https://afltables.com/afl/stats/games/2016/071520160402.html|access-date=18 December 2020|work=AFLTables}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Western Bulldogs vs West Coast - Player Stats|url=https://afltables.com/afl/stats/games/2016/071820160605.html|work=AFLTables|access-date=18 December 2020}}</ref> Hunter collected 85 disposals over the course of the [[2016 AFL finals series]], averaging around 21 disposals a game. He played in the {{AFL WB}}' 62 year premiership drought-breaking team, collecting 19 disposals, 1 behind, 4 tackles and 1 mark.<ref>{{cite web|title=Sydney vs Western Bulldogs - Grand Final - Player Stats|url=https://afltables.com/afl/stats/games/2016/071620161001.html|work=AFLtables|access-date=18 December 2020}}</ref> 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.<ref name="season review">{{cite web|title=Season review: Lachie Hunter|url=https://www.westernbulldogs.com.au/news/124710/season-review-lachie-hunter|work=Western Bulldogs Media|access-date=18 December 2020|date=14 October 2016}}</ref> He was ranked as the number one uncontested ball winner in the [[Australian Football League|AFL]],<ref name="season review"/> ending the year with 514 uncontested possessions.<ref>{{cite web|title=2016 Season Stats Summary|url=https://afltables.com/afl/stats/2016s.html#sh16|work=AFLTables|access-date=18 December 2020}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web|title=Bontempelli caps stunning season with Sutton Medal|url=https://www.westernbulldogs.com.au/news/324007/bontempelli-caps-stunning-season-with-sutton-medal|date=6 October 2016|access-date=19 December 2020|work=Western Bulldogs Media}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Marcus Bontempelli caps stellar 2016 season by winning Western Bulldogs best and fairest award|url=https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/teams/western-bulldogs/marcus-bontempelli-caps-stellar-2016-season-by-winning-western-bulldogs-best-and-fairest-award/news-story/defac5e0f486656f1e693867a052f8e5|last1=Landsberger|first1=Sam|work=Herald Sun|date=5 October 2016|access-date=19 December 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Bontempelli named top dog in premiership year|url=https://wwos.nine.com.au/afl/bont-named-top-dog-in-premiership-year/70be0b27-4111-4fdc-a66a-d337b1087701|access-date=19 December 2020|work=Nine Sports|date=5 October 2016}}</ref> He also received 13 [[Brownlow Medal|Brownlow]] votes.<ref>{{cite web|title=2016 Brownlow Medal|url=https://afltables.com/afl/brownlow/brownlow2016.html|work=AFLTables|access-date=19 December 2020}}</ref>


Line 62: Line 61:
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 {{AFL GWS}}. Hunter signed a major 5-year contract extension on 12 March 2019, tying him to the club until 2024.<ref name="r2">{{cite web|title=Hunter belongs to the west until 2024|url=https://www.westernbulldogs.com.au/news/146553/hunter-resigns|date=12 March 2019|access-date=20 December 2020|work=Western Bulldogs Media}}</ref><ref name="r1">{{cite web|title=Lachie Hunter signs five-year extension with Western Bulldogs|url=https://www.sportingnews.com/au/afl/news/lachie-hunter-signs-five-year-extension-with-western-bulldogs/qytdcnwtz9cy10n8xpxwtpqe8|work=sportingnews.com.au|access-date=20 December 2020|date=13 March 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Five more years: Prolific mid to be a Bulldog for life|url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/106477/five-more-years-prolific-mid-to-be-a-bulldog-for-life|last1=Cleary|first1=Mitch|work=AFL Media|date=12 March 2019|access-date=20 December 2020}}</ref> 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,"<ref name="r2"/><ref name="r1"/> Hunter was a crucial part of the Bulldogs' 8-point win over {{AFL Mel}} in the 17th round of the [[2019 AFL season]], gathering 37 disposals, kicking a goal, taking 10 marks and laying 5 tackles,<ref>{{cite web|title=Western Bulldogs vs Melbourne - Player Stats|url=https://afltables.com/afl/stats/games/2019/071120190714.html|work=AFLtables|access-date=20 December 2020}}</ref> getting named in the Bulldogs' best for the game.<ref>{{cite web|title=ROUND 17 REPORT: Three straight for Dogs|url=https://www.westernbulldogs.com.au/matches/1893#match-report|date=14 July 2019|access-date=20 December 2020|work=Western Bulldogs Media}}</ref> Hunter also bolstered the Bulldogs' effort against {{AFL Fre}} in Round 6 of the season, collecting 32 disposals, 8 marks and a goal.<ref>{{cite web|title=Fremantle vs Western Bulldogs - Player Stats|url=https://afltables.com/afl/stats/games/2019/070820190427.html|access-date=21 December 2020|work=AFLTables}}</ref> He was named as the Bulldogs' best on ground.<ref>{{cite web|title=ROUND 6 REPORT: Late Freo surge denies Dogs|url=https://www.westernbulldogs.com.au/news/253457/round-6-report-late-freo-surge-denies-dogs|date=28 April 2019|access-date=21 December 2020|work=Western bulldogs Media}}</ref> Hunter finished in 6th place in the [[Charles Sutton Medal]] count, 138 votes behind first-placed Marcus Bontempelli.<ref>{{cite web|title=Bontempelli the top Dog again|url=https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/bontempelli-the-top-dog-again-20191002-p52x32.html|last1=Cherny|first1=Daniel|work=The Age|date=3 October 2019|access-date=21 December 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Superstar Dog joins illustrious company with third B&F crown|url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/130762/superstar-dog-marcus-bontempelli-takes-out-third-bf-crown|last1=Bastin|first1=Paul|work=AFL Media|access-date=21 December 2020|date=2 October 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Bontempelli wins third Sutton Medal|url=https://www.westernbulldogs.com.au/news/249049/bontempelli-wins-third-sutton-medal|date=3 October 2019|access-date=21 December 2020|work=Western Bulldogs Media}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web|title=Bontempelli to succeed Wood as captain|url=https://www.westernbulldogs.com.au/news/540706/bontempelli-to-succeed-wood-as-captain#:~:text=Star%20midfielder%20Marcus%20Bontempelli%20will,remain%20in%20the%20leadership%20group.|date=10 December 2019|access-date=21 December 2020|work=Western Bulldogs Media}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Marcus Bontempelli Named Western Bulldogs Captain For 2020|url=https://www.triplem.com.au/story/marcus-bontempelli-named-western-bulldogs-captain-for-2020-153013|date=10 December 2019|last1=Meldrum|first1=Ethan|work=TripleM|access-date=21 December 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Star Western Bulldogs midfielder Marcus Bontempelli steps up as new captain|url=https://thewest.com.au/sport/afl/star-western-bulldogs-midfielder-marcus-bontempelli-steps-up-as-new-captain-ng-b881406880z|work=The West Australian|access-date=21 December 2020|date=10 December 2019|last1=Hope|first1=Shayne|last2=Phelan|first2=Jason}}</ref>
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 {{AFL GWS}}. Hunter signed a major 5-year contract extension on 12 March 2019, tying him to the club until 2024.<ref name="r2">{{cite web|title=Hunter belongs to the west until 2024|url=https://www.westernbulldogs.com.au/news/146553/hunter-resigns|date=12 March 2019|access-date=20 December 2020|work=Western Bulldogs Media}}</ref><ref name="r1">{{cite web|title=Lachie Hunter signs five-year extension with Western Bulldogs|url=https://www.sportingnews.com/au/afl/news/lachie-hunter-signs-five-year-extension-with-western-bulldogs/qytdcnwtz9cy10n8xpxwtpqe8|work=sportingnews.com.au|access-date=20 December 2020|date=13 March 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Five more years: Prolific mid to be a Bulldog for life|url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/106477/five-more-years-prolific-mid-to-be-a-bulldog-for-life|last1=Cleary|first1=Mitch|work=AFL Media|date=12 March 2019|access-date=20 December 2020}}</ref> 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,"<ref name="r2"/><ref name="r1"/> Hunter was a crucial part of the Bulldogs' 8-point win over {{AFL Mel}} in the 17th round of the [[2019 AFL season]], gathering 37 disposals, kicking a goal, taking 10 marks and laying 5 tackles,<ref>{{cite web|title=Western Bulldogs vs Melbourne - Player Stats|url=https://afltables.com/afl/stats/games/2019/071120190714.html|work=AFLtables|access-date=20 December 2020}}</ref> getting named in the Bulldogs' best for the game.<ref>{{cite web|title=ROUND 17 REPORT: Three straight for Dogs|url=https://www.westernbulldogs.com.au/matches/1893#match-report|date=14 July 2019|access-date=20 December 2020|work=Western Bulldogs Media}}</ref> Hunter also bolstered the Bulldogs' effort against {{AFL Fre}} in Round 6 of the season, collecting 32 disposals, 8 marks and a goal.<ref>{{cite web|title=Fremantle vs Western Bulldogs - Player Stats|url=https://afltables.com/afl/stats/games/2019/070820190427.html|access-date=21 December 2020|work=AFLTables}}</ref> He was named as the Bulldogs' best on ground.<ref>{{cite web|title=ROUND 6 REPORT: Late Freo surge denies Dogs|url=https://www.westernbulldogs.com.au/news/253457/round-6-report-late-freo-surge-denies-dogs|date=28 April 2019|access-date=21 December 2020|work=Western bulldogs Media}}</ref> Hunter finished in 6th place in the [[Charles Sutton Medal]] count, 138 votes behind first-placed Marcus Bontempelli.<ref>{{cite web|title=Bontempelli the top Dog again|url=https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/bontempelli-the-top-dog-again-20191002-p52x32.html|last1=Cherny|first1=Daniel|work=The Age|date=3 October 2019|access-date=21 December 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Superstar Dog joins illustrious company with third B&F crown|url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/130762/superstar-dog-marcus-bontempelli-takes-out-third-bf-crown|last1=Bastin|first1=Paul|work=AFL Media|access-date=21 December 2020|date=2 October 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Bontempelli wins third Sutton Medal|url=https://www.westernbulldogs.com.au/news/249049/bontempelli-wins-third-sutton-medal|date=3 October 2019|access-date=21 December 2020|work=Western Bulldogs Media}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web|title=Bontempelli to succeed Wood as captain|url=https://www.westernbulldogs.com.au/news/540706/bontempelli-to-succeed-wood-as-captain#:~:text=Star%20midfielder%20Marcus%20Bontempelli%20will,remain%20in%20the%20leadership%20group.|date=10 December 2019|access-date=21 December 2020|work=Western Bulldogs Media}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Marcus Bontempelli Named Western Bulldogs Captain For 2020|url=https://www.triplem.com.au/story/marcus-bontempelli-named-western-bulldogs-captain-for-2020-153013|date=10 December 2019|last1=Meldrum|first1=Ethan|work=TripleM|access-date=21 December 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Star Western Bulldogs midfielder Marcus Bontempelli steps up as new captain|url=https://thewest.com.au/sport/afl/star-western-bulldogs-midfielder-marcus-bontempelli-steps-up-as-new-captain-ng-b881406880z|work=The West Australian|access-date=21 December 2020|date=10 December 2019|last1=Hope|first1=Shayne|last2=Phelan|first2=Jason}}</ref>


⚫
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 {{AFL Col}} in the opening round of the season.<ref>{{cite web|title=Hunter to step down as vice-captain|url=https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/hunter-to-step-down-as-vice-captain-20200420-p54ljr.html|last1=McClure|first1=Sam|work=The Age|date=20 April 2020|access-date=21 December 2020}}</ref> In April 2020, after a drunk driving offence, he was suspended for four games<ref>{{cite web|work=Fox Sports|access-date=21 December 2020|last1=Waterworth|first1=Ben|url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/afl-2020-lachie-hunter-punishment-for-drink-driving-western-bulldogs-suspension-fine/news-story/c3682d0b4fa3839a7280ff02bddda171|title=Western Bulldogs announce full sanctions for Lachie Hunter for drink driving incident|date=21 April 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Lachie Hunter of Western Bulldogs gives up vice-captaincy over alleged drink-driving crash|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-04-21/lachie-hunter-western-bulldogs-drink-driving-sanctions/12169616|work=Australian Broadcasting Corporation|access-date=21 December 2020|date=21 April 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Bulldogs star fined over four-car smash|url=https://www.crookwellgazette.com.au/story/6999177/bulldogs-star-fined-over-four-car-smash/|last1=Sweeney|first1=Karen|work=Crookwell Gazette|access-date=21 December 2020|date=4 November 2020}}</ref> and voluntarily relinquished the vice captaincy.<ref>{{cite web|title=Vice-captain no more: Hunter fallout after car crash controversy|url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/391739/vice-captain-no-more-hunter-fallout-after-car-crash-controversy|last1=Cleary|first1=Mitch|date=20 April 2020|work=AFL Media|access-date=21 December 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Lachie Hunter to step down as Western Bulldogs vice-captain following drink driving incident|url=https://www.sportingnews.com/au/afl/news/lachie-hunter-vice-captaincy-car-accident-western-bulldogs/123f9z8ewacke109rrggynm6tk|last1=Naghten|first1=Tom|date=20 April 2020|work=sportingnews.com.au|access-date=21 December 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Hunter relinquishes Bulldogs vice-captaincy|url=https://www.sen.com.au/news/2020/04/20/hunter-relinquishes-bulldogs-vice-captaincy-mcclure/|work=SEN|access-date=21 December 2020|date=20 April 2020}}</ref> He was also fined $5000 for drink driving and given suspended fines for offences involving breaching of social distancing.<ref>{{cite web|title=Western Bulldogs Statement: Lachie Hunter|url=https://www.westernbulldogs.com.au/news/586382/western-bulldogs-statement-lachie-hunter|date=21 April 2020|work=Western Bulldogs Media|access-date=21 December 2020}}</ref> Hunter came back into the team for Rounds 6 and 7, and averaged 26.5 disposals and 4 marks per game,<ref>{{cite web|title=Carlton vs Western Bulldogs - Player Stats|url=https://afltables.com/afl/stats/games/2020/030720200712.html|access-date=21 December 2020|work=AFLTables}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Essendon vs Western Bulldogs - Player Stats|url=https://afltables.com/afl/stats/games/2020/050720200717.html|access-date=21 December 2020|work=AFLTables}}</ref> but then took a break for personal reasons,<ref>{{cite web|title=TEAMS: Hunter out for 'personal reasons', Dogs forward injured|url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/470994/teams-hunter-out-for-personal-reasons-dogs-forward-injured#:~:text=%22Western%20Bulldogs%20midfielder%20Lachie%20Hunter,to%20be%20the%20priority%20focus.%22|last1=Twomey|date=22 July 2020|first1=Callum|work=AFL Media|access-date=21 December 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Lachie Hunter takes break for personal reasons|last1=Gleeson|first1=Michael|last2=Niall|first2=Jake|last3=Ryan|first3=Peter|work=The Age|date=22 July 2020|access-date=21 December 2020|url=https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/lachie-hunter-takes-break-for-personal-reasons-20200722-p55ejb.html}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Western Bulldogs star Lachie Hunter to miss Suns clash for personal reasons|url=https://www.zerohanger.com/western-bulldogs-star-unavailable-for-selection-for-personal-reasons-afl-44477/|last1=Cotton|first1=Ben|work=ZeroHanger|access-date=21 December 2020|date=22 July 2020}}</ref> missing the next five rounds.<ref>{{cite web|title=TEAM NEWS - Round 12|url=https://www.westernbulldogs.com.au/news/795788/team-news-round-12|date=15 August 2020|work=Western Bulldogs Media|access-date=21 December 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Hunter and Houli to make their AFL return in Round 12|date=11 August 2020|url=https://www.sen.com.au/news/2020/08/11/hunter-and-houli-to-make-their-afl-return-in-round-12/|work=SEN|last1=Edmund|first=Sam|access-date=21 December 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Stars set to make anticipated returns in Round 12|url=https://www.zerohanger.com/stars-set-to-make-anticipated-returns-in-round-12-afl-54191/|last1=Balloch|first1=Lochlan|date=11 August 2020|work=ZeroHanger|access-date=21 December 2020}}</ref> 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<ref>{{cite web|title=Western Bulldogs vs Adelaide - Player Stats|url=https://afltables.com/afl/stats/games/2020/010720200816.html|access-date=21 December 2020|work=AFLTables}}</ref> in a game where he ruled out rumours of a trade, after grabbing his Bulldogs jumper in celebration at kicking a goal.<ref>{{cite web|title='You don't grab the jumper if you're leaving': Lachie Hunter's inspiring goal amid shock trade report|url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/afl-trade-news-rumours-whispers-2020-lachie-hunter-brisbane-lions-western-bulldogs-vs-adelaide-goal/news-story/7b60c9ee3f9544843db2a0e23bf24d2a|last1=Waterworth|first1=Ben|work=Fox Sports|access-date=21 December 2020|date=16 August 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Hunter makes big statement on return|url=https://www.westernbulldogs.com.au/news/796634/hunter-makes-big-statement-on-return|date=16 August 2020|work=Western Bulldogs Media|access-date=21 December 2020}}</ref> Hunter was praised as one of the team's best players in the match.<ref>{{cite web|title=AstroNaught reaches new heights as Dogs destroy Crows|url=https://www.afl.com.au/matches/2821#match-report|last1=Canil|first1=Jourdan|access-date=21 December 2020|work=AFL Media}}</ref> He had his best game for the season in the Bulldogs' season-defining 5-goal win over {{AFL Fre}} 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.<ref>{{cite web|title=Fremantle vs Western Bulldogs - Player Stats|url=https://afltables.com/afl/stats/games/2020/070820200920.html|work=AFLTables|access-date=21 December 2020}}</ref> He was named the second best player for the Bulldogs, behind [[Tom Liberatore]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Bulldogs down Freo to charge into top eight, dashing Dees' dreams|url=https://www.afl.com.au/matches/2879#match-report|last1=Beveridge|first1=Riley|access-date=21 December 2020|work=AFL Media}}</ref> 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]].<ref>{{cite web|title=King Caleb: Daniel crowned top Dog|url=https://www.westernbulldogs.com.au/news/823148/king-caleb-daniel-crowned-top-dog|date=6 October 2020|work=Western Bulldogs Media|access-date=21 December 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Every AFL club best and fairest winner and top 10 for 2020
===2020-2022: Struggles and injury, trade to Melbourne===
⚫
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 {{AFL Col}} in the opening round of the season.<ref>{{cite web|title=Hunter to step down as vice-captain|url=https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/hunter-to-step-down-as-vice-captain-20200420-p54ljr.html|last1=McClure|first1=Sam|work=The Age|date=20 April 2020|access-date=21 December 2020}}</ref> In April 2020, after a drunk driving offence, he was suspended for four games<ref>{{cite web|work=Fox Sports|access-date=21 December 2020|last1=Waterworth|first1=Ben|url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/afl-2020-lachie-hunter-punishment-for-drink-driving-western-bulldogs-suspension-fine/news-story/c3682d0b4fa3839a7280ff02bddda171|title=Western Bulldogs announce full sanctions for Lachie Hunter for drink driving incident|date=21 April 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Lachie Hunter of Western Bulldogs gives up vice-captaincy over alleged drink-driving crash|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-04-21/lachie-hunter-western-bulldogs-drink-driving-sanctions/12169616|work=Australian Broadcasting Corporation|access-date=21 December 2020|date=21 April 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Bulldogs star fined over four-car smash|url=https://www.crookwellgazette.com.au/story/6999177/bulldogs-star-fined-over-four-car-smash/|last1=Sweeney|first1=Karen|work=Crookwell Gazette|access-date=21 December 2020|date=4 November 2020}}</ref> and voluntarily relinquished the vice captaincy.<ref>{{cite web|title=Vice-captain no more: Hunter fallout after car crash controversy|url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/391739/vice-captain-no-more-hunter-fallout-after-car-crash-controversy|last1=Cleary|first1=Mitch|date=20 April 2020|work=AFL Media|access-date=21 December 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Lachie Hunter to step down as Western Bulldogs vice-captain following drink driving incident|url=https://www.sportingnews.com/au/afl/news/lachie-hunter-vice-captaincy-car-accident-western-bulldogs/123f9z8ewacke109rrggynm6tk|last1=Naghten|first1=Tom|date=20 April 2020|work=sportingnews.com.au|access-date=21 December 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Hunter relinquishes Bulldogs vice-captaincy|url=https://www.sen.com.au/news/2020/04/20/hunter-relinquishes-bulldogs-vice-captaincy-mcclure/|work=SEN|access-date=21 December 2020|date=20 April 2020}}</ref> He was also fined $5000 for drink driving and given suspended fines for offences involving breaching of social distancing.<ref>{{cite web|title=Western Bulldogs Statement: Lachie Hunter|url=https://www.westernbulldogs.com.au/news/586382/western-bulldogs-statement-lachie-hunter|date=21 April 2020|work=Western Bulldogs Media|access-date=21 December 2020}}</ref> Hunter came back into the team for Rounds 6 and 7, and averaged 26.5 disposals and 4 marks per game,<ref>{{cite web|title=Carlton vs Western Bulldogs - Player Stats|url=https://afltables.com/afl/stats/games/2020/030720200712.html|access-date=21 December 2020|work=AFLTables}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Essendon vs Western Bulldogs - Player Stats|url=https://afltables.com/afl/stats/games/2020/050720200717.html|access-date=21 December 2020|work=AFLTables}}</ref> but then took a break due to personal reasons,<ref>{{cite web|title=TEAMS: Hunter out for 'personal reasons', Dogs forward injured|url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/470994/teams-hunter-out-for-personal-reasons-dogs-forward-injured#:~:text=%22Western%20Bulldogs%20midfielder%20Lachie%20Hunter,to%20be%20the%20priority%20focus.%22|last1=Twomey|date=22 July 2020|first1=Callum|work=AFL Media|access-date=21 December 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Lachie Hunter takes break for personal reasons|last1=Gleeson|first1=Michael|last2=Niall|first2=Jake|last3=Ryan|first3=Peter|work=The Age|date=22 July 2020|access-date=21 December 2020|url=https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/lachie-hunter-takes-break-for-personal-reasons-20200722-p55ejb.html}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Western Bulldogs star Lachie Hunter to miss Suns clash for personal reasons|url=https://www.zerohanger.com/western-bulldogs-star-unavailable-for-selection-for-personal-reasons-afl-44477/|last1=Cotton|first1=Ben|work=ZeroHanger|access-date=21 December 2020|date=22 July 2020}}</ref> missing the next five rounds.<ref>{{cite web|title=TEAM NEWS - Round 12|url=https://www.westernbulldogs.com.au/news/795788/team-news-round-12|date=15 August 2020|work=Western Bulldogs Media|access-date=21 December 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Hunter and Houli to make their AFL return in Round 12|date=11 August 2020|url=https://www.sen.com.au/news/2020/08/11/hunter-and-houli-to-make-their-afl-return-in-round-12/|work=SEN|last1=Edmund|first=Sam|access-date=21 December 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Stars set to make anticipated returns in Round 12|url=https://www.zerohanger.com/stars-set-to-make-anticipated-returns-in-round-12-afl-54191/|last1=Balloch|first1=Lochlan|date=11 August 2020|work=ZeroHanger|access-date=21 December 2020}}</ref> 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<ref>{{cite web|title=Western Bulldogs vs Adelaide - Player Stats|url=https://afltables.com/afl/stats/games/2020/010720200816.html|access-date=21 December 2020|work=AFLTables}}</ref> in a game where he ruled out rumours of a trade, after grabbing his Bulldogs jumper in celebration at kicking a goal.<ref>{{cite web|title='You don't grab the jumper if you're leaving': Lachie Hunter's inspiring goal amid shock trade report|url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/afl-trade-news-rumours-whispers-2020-lachie-hunter-brisbane-lions-western-bulldogs-vs-adelaide-goal/news-story/7b60c9ee3f9544843db2a0e23bf24d2a|last1=Waterworth|first1=Ben|work=Fox Sports|access-date=21 December 2020|date=16 August 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Hunter makes big statement on return|url=https://www.westernbulldogs.com.au/news/796634/hunter-makes-big-statement-on-return|date=16 August 2020|work=Western Bulldogs Media|access-date=21 December 2020}}</ref> Hunter was praised as one of the team's best players in the match.<ref>{{cite web|title=AstroNaught reaches new heights as Dogs destroy Crows|url=https://www.afl.com.au/matches/2821#match-report|last1=Canil|first1=Jourdan|access-date=21 December 2020|work=AFL Media}}</ref> He had his best game for the season in the Bulldogs' season-defining 5-goal win over {{AFL Fre}} 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.<ref>{{cite web|title=Fremantle vs Western Bulldogs - Player Stats|url=https://afltables.com/afl/stats/games/2020/070820200920.html|work=AFLTables|access-date=21 December 2020}}</ref> He was named the second best player for the Bulldogs, behind [[Tom Liberatore]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Bulldogs down Freo to charge into top eight, dashing Dees' dreams|url=https://www.afl.com.au/matches/2879#match-report|last1=Beveridge|first1=Riley|access-date=21 December 2020|work=AFL Media}}</ref> 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]].<ref>{{cite web|title=King Caleb: Daniel crowned top Dog|url=https://www.westernbulldogs.com.au/news/823148/king-caleb-daniel-crowned-top-dog|date=6 October 2020|work=Western Bulldogs Media|access-date=21 December 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Every AFL club best and fairest winner and top 10 for 2020
|url=https://www.sportingnews.com/au/afl/news/afl-club-best-and-fairest-winners-2020-top-10/6dhtza9obwue1hn0whpf73euc|last1=Naghten|first1=Tom|access-date=21 December 2020|date=30 October 2020|work=sportingnews.com.au}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Caleb Daniel wins Charlie Sutton Medal|url=https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/caleb-daniel-wins-charlie-sutton-medal-20201006-p562k8.html|last1=Ryan|first1=Peter|date=6 October 2020|work=The Age|access-date=21 December 2020}}</ref>
|url=https://www.sportingnews.com/au/afl/news/afl-club-best-and-fairest-winners-2020-top-10/6dhtza9obwue1hn0whpf73euc|last1=Naghten|first1=Tom|access-date=21 December 2020|date=30 October 2020|work=sportingnews.com.au}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Caleb Daniel wins Charlie Sutton Medal|url=https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/caleb-daniel-wins-charlie-sutton-medal-20201006-p562k8.html|last1=Ryan|first1=Peter|date=6 October 2020|work=The Age|access-date=21 December 2020}}</ref>


Hunter had a much different season in [[2021 AFL season|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 {{AFL Car}} with a broken hand,<ref>{{cite web|title=Beveridge praises 'determined' Hunter for playing on with suspected broken hand|url=https://www.news.com.au/sport/afl/beveridge-praises-determined-hunter-for-playing-on-with-suspected-broken-hand/news-story/56c84d874de8b4c84ceb8e1d74330d5b|last1=Leonard|first1=Owen|date=9 May 2021|access-date=14 May 2021|work=news.com.au}}</ref> being lauded by teammate [[Josh Bruce]]<ref>{{cite web|title=Ball-magnet Dog pushes through pain barrier in bid to face Port|url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/612244/ball-magnet-dog-lachie-hunter-pushes-through-pain-barrier-to-bid-to-face-port|work=AFL Media|date=12 May 2021|access-date=14 May 2021}}</ref> and coach [[Luke Beveridge]] for his courage.<ref>{{cite web|title=Hunter set for stint on sidelines with broken hand|url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/610878/coaches-bulldogs-v-blues|last1=Healy|first1=Johnathan|work=AFL Media|access-date=14 May 2021|date=10 May 2021}}</ref> He had surgery on his hand in the wake of his injury.<ref>{{cite web|title=Surgery for Bulldogs AFL gun Lachie Hunter|last1=Hope|first1=Shayne|url=https://7news.com.au/sport/afl/surgery-for-bulldogs-afl-gun-lachie-hunter-c-2804996|date=10 May 2021|work=Seven News|access-date=14 May 2021}}</ref>
Hunter had a much different season in [[2021 AFL season|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 {{AFL Car}} with a broken hand,<ref>{{cite web|title=Beveridge praises 'determined' Hunter for playing on with suspected broken hand|url=https://www.news.com.au/sport/afl/beveridge-praises-determined-hunter-for-playing-on-with-suspected-broken-hand/news-story/56c84d874de8b4c84ceb8e1d74330d5b|last1=Leonard|first1=Owen|date=9 May 2021|access-date=14 May 2021|work=news.com.au}}</ref> being lauded by teammate [[Josh Bruce]]<ref>{{cite web|title=Ball-magnet Dog pushes through pain barrier in bid to face Port|url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/612244/ball-magnet-dog-lachie-hunter-pushes-through-pain-barrier-to-bid-to-face-port|work=AFL Media|date=12 May 2021|access-date=14 May 2021}}</ref> and coach [[Luke Beveridge]] for his courage.<ref>{{cite web|title=Hunter set for stint on sidelines with broken hand|url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/610878/coaches-bulldogs-v-blues|last1=Healy|first1=Johnathan|work=AFL Media|access-date=14 May 2021|date=10 May 2021}}</ref> He had surgery on his hand in the wake of his injury.<ref>{{cite web|title=Surgery for Bulldogs AFL gun Lachie Hunter|last1=Hope|first1=Shayne|url=https://7news.com.au/sport/afl/surgery-for-bulldogs-afl-gun-lachie-hunter-c-2804996|date=10 May 2021|work=Seven News|access-date=14 May 2021}}</ref>


In a shock move, Hunter was traded to {{AFL Mel}} at the end of the [[2022 AFL season]].<ref>{{Cite tweet |user=AFL_House|number=1580103928179347456|date=12 October 2022|title=Trade paperwork lodged.}}</ref>
Hunter was traded to the [[Melbourne Football Club]] at the end of the [[2022 AFL season]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Lach-ed in: Demons swoop on Bulldogs gun|url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/856820/lachie-hunter-traded-from-western-bulldogs-to-melbourne-demons|date=12 October 2022|publisher=afl.com.au}}</ref>


==Personal life==
===Melbourne===
Hunter made his debut with Melbourne in round 1 of the [[2023 AFL season|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.<ref>{{cite web|title=Veteran Demon and flag Bulldog calls time after 12 seasons|url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/1230440/melbourne-demons-veteran-and-western-bulldogs-premiership-player-lachie-hunter-retires|date=26 September 2024|publisher=afl.com.au}}</ref> Hunter ended his career on 199 AFL matches, across both clubs he played for.
⚫
Hunter is the cousin of [[Mark McVeigh]] and [[Jarrad McVeigh]], who played for {{AFL Ess}} and {{AFL Syd}} respectively.<ref name="family">{{cite web|title=AFL finals 2016: Western Bulldog Lachie Hunter: like mother, like son|url=https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/afl-finals-2016-western-bulldog-lachie-hunter-like-mother-like-son-20160927-grpk0r.html|date=27 September 2016|work=The Age|last1=Quayle|first1=Emma|access-date=18 December 2020}}</ref> He is in a relationship with Maddison Sullivan-Thorpe, who he got engaged to in 2019.<ref>{{cite web|title=Western Bulldogs star Lachie Hunter's fiance posts heartbreaking Instagram message|url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/western-bulldogs-star-lachie-hunters-fiance-posts-heartbreaking-instagram-message/news-story/d23b398c3c019b275563b493d97fca17|work=Fox Sports|access-date=20 July 2021|date=23 November 2020|last1=Otto|first1=Tyson}}</ref>


==Statistics==
==Statistics==
''Updated to the end of round 1, 2023''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://afltables.com/afl/stats/players/L/Lachie_Hunter.html|title=Lachie Hunter|work=AFL Tables|access-date=21 December 2020}}</ref>
''Updated to the end of 2024''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://afltables.com/afl/stats/players/L/Lachie_Hunter.html|title=Lachie Hunter|work=AFL Tables|access-date=21 December 2020}}</ref>
{{AFL player statistics legend}}
{{AFL player statistics legend}}
{{AFL player statistics start with votes}}
{{AFL player statistics start with votes}}
Line 109: Line 107:
|-
|-
| [[2023 AFL season|2023]] || {{AFL Mel}} || 12
| [[2023 AFL season|2023]] || {{AFL Mel}} || 12
| 1 || 0 || 0 || 8 || 4 || 12 || 5 || 3 || 0.0 || 0.0 || 8.0 || 4.0 || 12.0 || 5.0 || 3.0 || 0
| 24 || 6 || 3 || 308 || 230 || 538 || 100 || 42 || 0.3 || 0.1 || 12.8 || 9.6 || 22.4 || 4.2 || 1.8 || 3
|-
| [[2024 AFL season|2024]] || {{AFL Mel}} || 12
| 2 || 1 || 0 || 18 || 9 || 27 || 6 || 0 || 0.5 || 0.0 || 9.0 || 4.5 || 13.5 || 3.0 || 0.0 ||
|- class=sortbottom
|- class=sortbottom
! colspan=3 | Career
! colspan=3 | Career
! 174 !! 73 !! 84 !! 2296 !! 1767 !! 4063 !! 907 !! 427 !! 0.4 !! 0.5 !! 13.2 !! 10.2 !! 23.4 !! 5.2 !! 2.5 !! 37
! 199 !! 80 !! 87 !! 2614 !! 2003 !! 4617 !! 1008 !! 464 !! 0.4 !! 0.4 !! 13.1 !! 10.1 !! 23.2 !! 5.1 !! 2.3 !! 40
|}
|}


'''Notes'''
'''Notes'''
{{notelist}}
{{notelist}}

==Personal life==
⚫
Hunter is the cousin of [[Mark McVeigh]] and [[Jarrad McVeigh]], who played for {{AFL Ess}} and {{AFL Syd}} respectively.<ref name="family">{{cite web|title=AFL finals 2016: Western Bulldog Lachie Hunter: like mother, like son|url=https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/afl-finals-2016-western-bulldog-lachie-hunter-like-mother-like-son-20160927-grpk0r.html|date=27 September 2016|work=The Age|last1=Quayle|first1=Emma|access-date=18 December 2020}}</ref>


==Honours and achievements==
==Honours and achievements==
Line 135: Line 139:
*{{AFL Tables|ref=L/Lachie_Hunter.html}}
*{{AFL Tables|ref=L/Lachie_Hunter.html}}


{{Melbourne player squad}}
{{2016 Western Bulldogs premiership players}}
{{2016 Western Bulldogs premiership players}}
{{Charles Sutton Medal}}
{{Charles Sutton Medal}}
Line 142: Line 145:
{{DEFAULTSORT:Hunter, Lachie}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Hunter, Lachie}}
[[Category:1994 births]]
[[Category:1994 births]]
[[Category:Australian rules footballers from Victoria (Australia)]]
[[Category:Australian rules footballers from Victoria (state)]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Western Bulldogs players]]
[[Category:Western Bulldogs players]]
[[Category:Western Bulldogs Premiership players]]
[[Category:Western Bulldogs premiership players]]
[[Category:Melbourne Football Club players]]
[[Category:Williamstown Football Club players]]
[[Category:Williamstown Football Club players]]
[[Category:Western Jets players]]
[[Category:Western Jets players]]
[[Category:Charles Sutton Medal winners]]
[[Category:Charles Sutton Medal winners]]
[[Category:One-time VFL/AFL Premiership players]]
[[Category:VFL/AFL premiership players]]

Latest revision as of 14:41, 1 October 2024

Lachie Hunter
Hunter playing for the Western Bulldogs in June 2017
Personal information
Full name Lachlan Hunter
Date of birth (1994-12-13) 13 December 1994 (age 29)
Original team(s) Williamstown Jnrs (Vic) / Western Jets (TAC Cup)
Draft No. 49 (father–son), 2012 national draft, Western Bulldogs
Debut Round 13, 2013, Western Bulldogs vs. Richmond, at Etihad Stadium
Height 183 cm (6 ft 0 in)
Weight 82 kg (181 lb)
Position(s) Wingman / Midfielder / Forward
Playing career
Years Club Games (Goals)
2013–2022 Western Bulldogs 173 (73)
2023–2024 Melbourne 26 (7)
Total 199 (80)
Career highlights
Sources: AFL Tables, AustralianFootball.com

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).

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]Fithall, Andrew (20 August 2010). "Victorian Women's Lacrosse". The Footy Almanac. Retrieved 20 July 2021.</ref> Hunter played junior football for the Williamstown Juniors from the Under 9 divisions all the way until he finished the under 16 divisions.[2] Hunter completed his schooling at St Kevin's College, where he played for the school team alongside future teammates Tom Liberatore and Mitch Wallis.[3] He also played with the Western Jets in the TAC Cup program.[4] 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.[5] 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.[6]

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.[7][8][9]

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.[10] 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."[11] In his debut game, Hunter collected 19 disposals, 5 marks, 2 behinds[12] and kicked one goal with just his second kick in his AFL career.[13] 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.[14] 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.[15][16] 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.[17] Hunter signed a contract extension that kept him at the club until 2016 in December 2013.[18]

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.[19] 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.[20] 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."[21] Hunter was given the Number 7 guernsey, swapping his previous number, 26.[22]

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.[23] 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.[23] 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.[24][25] In that game he was also named as best on ground,[26] as he broke his career record for most disposals by 8, reaching a new record of 32.[27] He also collected 1 goal, 10 marks and 10 scoring involvements, as well as 516 metres gained.[28][27] 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.[29] He was named as one of the Bulldogs' best on ground.[30]

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.[31] 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.[32] Hunter also took 6 marks and made 4 clearances.[33] 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.[34] He also had good games in rounds 2 and 11, where he collected 35 and 38 disposals, and kicked a goal in both games.[35][36] 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.[37] 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.[38] He was ranked as the number one uncontested ball winner in the AFL,[38] ending the year with 514 uncontested possessions.[39] 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.[40][41][42] He also received 13 Brownlow votes.[43]

Hunter played every game in the 2017 season,[44][45] 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.[46] 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.[47][48] 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.[49] He was named as one of the Western Bulldogs' best on ground.[50] Hunter finished the season in 6th place in the Charles Sutton Medal count, gathering 125 votes, 60 votes behind first-placed Marcus Bontempelli.[51][52][53] In November of that year, Hunter was elevated to the leadership group of the Bulldogs, alongside Jordan Roughead, Jack Redpath and Jason Johannisen.[54]

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.[55][56] Hunter, alongside Jack Macrae and Jason Johannisen, was named as best on ground for the Bulldogs,[56] after gathering 34 disposals, 9 marks and 3 tackles.[57] 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,[58] named as one of the team's best on ground in the big loss.[59] 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.[60][61][62] Hunter was rewarded with the Charles Sutton Medal at the end of the season.[63][64] He collected 191 votes, just 1 vote ahead of second-placed Jack Macrae.[65][66] Hunter led the club in marks and disposals for the total season, getting 117 and 626 respectively.[67][68]

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.[69][70][71] 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,"[69][70] 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,[72] getting named in the Bulldogs' best for the game.[73] Hunter also bolstered the Bulldogs' effort against Fremantle in Round 6 of the season, collecting 32 disposals, 8 marks and a goal.[74] He was named as the Bulldogs' best on ground.[75] Hunter finished in 6th place in the Charles Sutton Medal count, 138 votes behind first-placed Marcus Bontempelli.[76][77][78] 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.[79][80][81]

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.[82] In April 2020, after a drunk driving offence, he was suspended for four games[83][84][85] and voluntarily relinquished the vice captaincy.[86][87][88] He was also fined $5000 for drink driving and given suspended fines for offences involving breaching of social distancing.[89] Hunter came back into the team for Rounds 6 and 7, and averaged 26.5 disposals and 4 marks per game,[90][91] but then took a break for personal reasons,[92][93][94] missing the next five rounds.[95][96][97] 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[98] in a game where he ruled out rumours of a trade, after grabbing his Bulldogs jumper in celebration at kicking a goal.[99][100] Hunter was praised as one of the team's best players in the match.[101] 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.[102] He was named the second best player for the Bulldogs, behind Tom Liberatore.[103] 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.[104][105][106]

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,[107] being lauded by teammate Josh Bruce[108] and coach Luke Beveridge for his courage.[109] He had surgery on his hand in the wake of his injury.[110]

Hunter was traded to the Melbourne Football Club at the end of the 2022 AFL season.[111]

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.[112] Hunter ended his career on 199 AFL matches, across both clubs he played for.

Statistics

[edit]

Updated to the end of 2024.[113]

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 9 302 195 497 116 56 0.8 0.4 13.7 8.9 22.6 5.3 2.5 2
2018 Western Bulldogs 7 22 8 10 343 283 626 117 58 0.6 0.8 15.8 12.0 27.8 7.0 2.0 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 8 137 116 253 54 24 0.4 0.8 13.7 11.6 25.3 5.4 2.4 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
Career 199 80 87 2614 2003 4617 1008 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.

Personal life

[edit]

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

Honours and achievements

[edit]

Team

Individual

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b Quayle, Emma (27 September 2016). "AFL finals 2016: Western Bulldog Lachie Hunter: like mother, like son". The Age. Retrieved 18 December 2020.
  2. ^ Collins, Ben (8 October 2012). "Hunter's gun". AFL Media. Retrieved 20 July 2021.
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  4. ^ "AFL: Two Western Jets drafted; Bulldogs land Jake Stringer". StarWeekly. 22 November 2012. Retrieved 4 November 2020.
  5. ^ Landsberger, Sam (15 November 2012). "Pick Me: Signed and sealed Western Bulldog Lachie Hunter a devastating goalkicker". Herald Sun.
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  113. ^ "Lachie Hunter". AFL Tables. Retrieved 21 December 2020.
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