Hunter played 17 games during the 2002, including the losing elimination final against Essendon, establishing himself in a role in the backline.
In 2005 Hunter established himself as the Eagles' centre half-back, replacing Glen Jakovich, who had retired the previous year, and Quinten Lynch, who had been shifted forward.
Hunter rated his 2005 qualifying final performance against the Sydney Swans as his career highlight, in which he turned the match around with two goals.
Hunter was also often used by coach John Worsfold as a "swingman", being shifted to centre half-forward where he played a key role in the forward line.
Hunter received a single Brownlow Medal vote, the only one against his career, for his efforts in the Eagles' win over Carlton, where he gathered 18 disposals and kicked 4 goals.
Hunter continued his premiership form in 2007, and was regarded by some as the club's most important player, due to injuries to Chris Judd and Ben Cousins.
[9] Hunter was fined in court for possessing cocaine in 2014 and was facing domestic violence charges in 2021 before that case was dropped.