Members of the New South Wales Women’s squad were put through their paces by the Sydney Swans this morning as part of the AFL Women’s Round celebrations.

The group of talented female footballers, who recently represented their state in a three-game series against the ACT, took part in the training session lead by Swans players Jarred Moore, Matt Spangher and Jordan Lockyer.

The group tested their handballing and goal-kicking ability as well as their ‘specky’ skills under the guidance of the Swans’ players on the SCG this morning.

NSW Women’s squad member Kathryn Hull said it was an experience she and her team mates won’t forget.

“It’s been a bit surreal and a bit of a highlight,” she said.

“It’s been really good and we just went through some of the drills with the girls and with the Swans guys as well.

“It really has been a bit of a thrill.”

Hull, who is also a member of the Southern Power Women’s team, said there is no doubt more women were getting involved in Aussie Rules.

“It’s growing more and more and we’ve got a couple of new teams to the Sydney league this year and over the last couple of years, so it’s really growing,” she said.

“However, in saying that, (women’s football) is still a growing sport and there are a lot of people out there who don’t actually know that a Sydney Women’s league actually exists.”

The young footballer added that women were taking up roles at all levels of the game.

“Women are really involved,” she said.

“At the Southern Power, where I play, there are so many women involved at the club in coaching and other roles.

“If you look at all the roles and if you look at the viewers, I think it’s over half of the TV viewers that are female, so that in itself says how important it is.”

Swans midfielder Jarred Moore, who headed up today’s training session, said he was impressed with the ability of the NSW women’s squad.

“I hadn’t really seen too much of the girls playing, but I was surprised that they were able to pick it up pretty well,” he said.

“They were kicking a heap of goals and taking a heap of marks.

“I didn’t actually see how high they got (in their marking drill), but a few of the remarks from the other boys suggested they got pretty high.”

Moore agreed that both on and off the field, women play a vital role in the continued success of the AFL.

“All of the boys have women in their lives that have done so much for them to get there,” Moore said.

“For me it would be my mum, who has done plenty for me like driving me around and everything so I could play AFL.

“There are so many spectators and members who come to the games and give a lot of support so we’re very thankful.”