The small, yet cherished window of time was a chance for Gary, a Sydney Swans footballer, and Amie to bid farewell.

Amie delivered twin daughters – named Willow and Bella – at Sydney’s Royal Women’s Hospital on April 12 at the stroke of 9am.

But shortly after, the two heartbeats turned into one.

A pre-diagnosed medical condition tragically claimed Willow’s life.

Bella received special treatment at the hospital, but was discharged on Wednesday and is now recovering at home.

Rohan said the period was among “the hardest Amie and I have had to deal with” and paid homage to hospital staff for their care.

“They first told us they weren’t sure how long (Willow) would live for, because her heart wasn’t that strong,” Rohan told The Standard.

“The midwife told us that we didn’t have much time. It was tough, because Bella went down into ICU and Willow went into recovery with Amie.

“I was kind of in between both. I didn’t know whether to stay with Bella or to be with Amie and Willow. I had a bit of time with both in the end.”

The new parents used the five hours to “make as many lasting memories as we could all together”.

Both Gary and Amie’s parents were able to meet Willow before she died.

“It was a very memorable time and one we’ll never forget,” Rohan said.

“We have two beautiful girls, and we’ve been lucky to bring one home. She’s loving every minute of it.

“(Bella) woke up a couple of times for a feed through the night (on Wednesday). She’s sleeping well.

“They say with premature babies they get used to the sounds and noise in ICU and they can freak out if it’s not there so I let the dog into the bedroom with us all (to make it less silent).”

The 26-year-old said he and Amie decided to open up about Willow’s prognosis – a condition known as anencephaly – 11 weeks into the pregnancy.

Anencephaly prevents part of the brain, skull and scalp from developing.

Rohan, a Swan of eight years after being drafted from Cobden, turned to his teammates when doctors delivered the news.

He revealed former co-captain Jarrad McVeigh – who lost baby daughter Luella to serious heart complications in 2011 – had been a “huge support”.

“I sent the boys a message as soon as I knew, because they’re the guys you’re with basically 24-7,” Rohan said.

“They’ve all been a massive help in getting through this. Jarrad McVeigh has been great.

“We’ve had great support. We’ve had cards come in – Hawthorn sent me a card – and I’ve had a lot of messages from other players in the AFL and people back home.

“We’re very grateful.”