Hockey: Player hit by ball dies

An Australian hockey player has died after being hit with the ball in an on-field accident at a tournament in Perth.

State representative Lizzie Watkins was struck on the back of the head by the ball which is believed to have deflected from her own stick.

She was revived after collapsing on the field but died on the way to hospital. She was 24.

Her coach told watoday.com.au the fatal incident happened during a simple play for the ball.

"It was a fairly innocuous incident which occurs 100 times each game. She rushed from fullback to make a tackle when the ball deflected and hit her on the back of the head," Colin Brandis said.

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