Nine women who’ve made immeasurable contributions to the growth of female Australian rules football in the Harbour City have become the latest Life Members of AFL Sydney.

Sydney Swans members Karen James, Lucy Burgmann and Meredith Gray were among those recognised at AFL Sydney’s prestigious Phelan and Mostyn Medal at Doltone House this week, with Yvette Andrews, Michaela Ekman, Steph Foster, Roslyn McMahon-Bostick, Natalie Morgan and Jemma Still joining them as inductees.

Of greatest note is the substantial work of the women in helping establish the Sydney Women’s Australian Football League in 2000.

James, who’s been a Swans member since 2004, said she received her Life Membership with immense pride.

“I was absolutely thrilled. I was blown away. It’s very humbling. It was a lot of blood, sweat and tears and a ridiculous amount of time that went into it, so I’m just so happy,” James said.

“It’s just lovely to see the women’s side of the sport growing and expanding and being recognised like it is now. It’s all of our dreams come true. We’re so thankful to the AFL for making sure the women’s game continues to be as strong as we have always hoped it would be.”