Ex-AFL star Mark Hutchings's partner dies after childbirth

In short: 

Mark Hutchings has revealed his partner Hannah has died just days after giving birth.

In a social media post, he said he was shattered by her death and that becoming a mother was her dream.

Hutchings played 120 games for the West Coast Eagles and was part of the 2018 premiership-winning team.

Former West Coast Eagles player Mark Hutchings says his partner Hannah has died two days after the birth of their daughter.

Hutchings revealed her death in a social media post late yesterday.

"It is with deep sadness that I share the sudden loss of my beautiful partner, Hannah," he wrote on Instagram.

"2 days following the birth of our daughter, Sofia.

"I am shattered."

Hutchings said Hannah had been looking forward to motherhood.

"Her dream was to become a Mum, so it's been incredibly difficult to take," he wrote.

"Sofia and I love you and will miss you very much Hannah."

A one-club player, Hutchings played 120 AFL games for the Eagles, and was part of the 2018 team that won a premiership by defeating Collingwood in the grand final.

Current AFL players and former West Coast teammates, including Jack Crisp, Willie Rioli Jr and Jamie Cripps, left messages of support in the comment section on the Instagram post.

"You'll be the best Dad for your beautiful daughter, we got you," retired ruckman Nic Naitanui said.

"Sending so much love mate, thinking of you guys," Zac Langdon said.

In his social media post, Hutchings thanked his friends, family, former teammates and colleagues for their sympathy.

"Thank you for all of your messages of support, I can't always reply to them all but I do appreciate them," he wrote.