How AFL star Gary Rohan is spending his first Father's Day with baby Bella

Gary Rohan has ticked off plenty of milestones in his AFL career, but this Sunday marks a 'first' of a very different kind: his first Father's Day.

The Sydney Swans forward and wife Amie became parents for the first time on April 12, welcoming twin daughters Bella Rae and Willow Nevaeh.

Sadly, Willow passed away five hours after her birth due to a non-survivable condition called anencephaly, which was diagnosed during the pregnancy.

Almost five months into his life as a new dad, Gary, 27, is looking forward to kicking off Father's Day with breakfast in bed from Amie and beautiful baby Bella - oh, and the family dog.

"[It'll be] a relaxing day with my girls and Borris, of course, while reminiscing on our little Willow," the sportsman tells 9Honey.

"I know Amie said Mother’s Day was a of quite mixed emotions for her, so I think Father’s Day will be very much the same for me. I'm just grateful to be able to spend it with our little family."

While it's been an overwhelming time for the new parents, Gary describes his life as a dad as "the best experience, hands down."

"I just love being a dad! Nothing better than getting home from work and being greeted by a big grin from Bella," he says.

RELATED: Swans star Gary Rohan pays tribute to wife Amie one month on from twins' birth

One of his fondest parenting memories so far is the early cuddles he shared with his newborn daughter.

As she was born premature, Bella spent several days in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) receiving special treatment.

"She would lay on my chest and have skin-to-skin time with me, they were pretty special," the new dad recalls.

The pair have recreated those special moments of closeness during Bella's top-up feeds, facilitated by Gary's Tommee Tippee bottle.

"Being able to join in on the feeds with a bottle is such a perfect way to bond with her," he adds.

"I think that’s special. She’s got an old soul, that’s for sure - she’s definitely been here before," he says.

"Plus she’s got the strength of her sister in her as well. Each time I look at her, I can see her sister looking straight back at me."