Current players Will Hayward and James Rose conducted a ‘kick and catch’ session to raise awareness for local AFL North Coast club Manning Valley Mustangs.

The clinic attracted up to 20 interested children who spent time learning new skills from two of the league’s up-and-coming players.

Will said it is highly important to hold region sessions so new talent can be uncovered from a young age.

"I started playing footy when I was really young so I suppose that the quicker you get a grasp on the skills and knowledge of the game the further you can go,” Will said.

After losing out to the Western Bulldogs in last year’s grand final, James is hopeful the side can give fans something to celebrate in 2017.

"Hopefully we can go one better than last year, it was obviously a huge disappointment to come in as favourites and to be knocked out the way we were is very disappointing.

"We've got an even stronger team this year in my opinion," James said.

Will was the 21st pick in the 2016 AFL Draft while James has managed seven games for the Swans top squad.

The Mustangs were launched in 2016 and exceeded expectations with their season performance in the Under 11’s. Manning Valley Australian Football Club president Jeremy Thornton is elated at the potential for the sport to grow in the region.

“It was our first season having a team in the Mid North Coast AFL where we had an Under 11’s side who performed above and beyond expectations.

We thought if they get one win in their first year we'd be ecstatic.

They ended up just missing the finals by percentage so it was a wonderful performance,” Jeremy said.

With AFL playing opportunities still scarce in the region, Jeremy said the club just wants to give children an alternative for other codes.

"We don't pretend to take over the crown from Rugby League and we are all League fans ourselves.

“The fact that we are giving something different and we are showing the kids of the area this sport has a lot of athleticism about it; it's fast and it's less impact,” Jeremy said.

The club president recognises the importance of the Swans visit.

"Having them come and do a couple of sessions in our schools and introducing the skills to players and enticing them to come and have a kick with the club is extremely important for our growth," Jeremy said.

Jeremy is delighted Taree residents are beginning to embrace the sport.

"I love the fact that now we can now call Johnny Martin Oval the home of Australian Rules here.

We get some great crowds, get a couple of hundred people just for Auskick sessions sometimes so it's wonderful," Jeremy said.

Following the success of the Under 11’s side in 2016, the club will compete in the Under 13’s division.

The Mustangs will host ‘come and try’ days on February 26 and March 12 at Wrigley Park, Taree as well as South Street Oval, Tuncurry on March 11.