GWS veteran Callan Ward relishing coaching and aims to help Stephen Coniglio’s recovery

Callen Ward says he’ll help fellow knee victim Stephen Coniglio through his recovery to get the Giants star back on the field as quickly as possible.

Callan Ward hasn;t played since Round 4. Picture: Getty Images

Callan Ward admits his off-field coaching duties are proving more rewarding than he could ever have imagined as he vows to help the injured ­Stephen Coniglio bounce back as quickly as possible.

The Giants co-captain will again be on the bench for Saturday’s clash with Collingwood, helping to pass on instructions from the coaches’ box.

As he continues to work on his rehab after rupturing his ACL against Geelong in Round 4, he can expect some company with Coniglio to begin his recovery program following knee surgery.

“We’ll work closely together. I spoke to him (Coniglio) on the phone after his operation. It’s all pretty new to him,” Ward said.

“There’s only six games left of the season then finals so it’s going to be hard for him to get back but at the same time he’s the type of guy who’ll do everything he can to get back as quickly as he can.”

Callan Ward is still on the mend from an ACL injury. Picture: AAP

As for his own recovery, the 29-year-old admits he’s unlikely to feature again this season but as he continues to work on building up his length strength he hopes to start running again “in the next three to four weeks”.

“I’m just trying to do everything as quickly as I can,” he said.

“If that means I can play this year then that’s great but I think in the back of my mind I know that it’s usually a 10-month injury so I think my chances of playing this year are pretty slim, but at the same time I’ll be doing everything I can to get back as quick as I can.”

While Ward has been unable to play, he’s found a rewarding role to help the team.

“I thought I’d hate not playing. I’d love to be playing, but at the same time I’ve learnt a lot doing the coaching stuff I’m doing,” he said.

“I’m working a lot with the NEAFL boys as well (analysing their performances). The coaching side I’ve really enjoyed because you can put some things in place for certain players.

“On the weekend they go out and do it and you can look back and go, ‘I spoke to him about that’ so I really enjoy that side of it.”

Originally published as GWS veteran Callan Ward relishing coaching and aims to help Stephen Coniglio’s recovery