How a role Callan Ward ‘never thought’ he’d play has sparked a new one-year contract

Callan Ward has signed a one-year deal to take him into an 18th AFL season and credits a shock role change with helping him extend his career. He speaks to LACHLAN MCKIRDY.

Callan Ward knows finals like the back of his hand.

He played his first back in 2009 at the Western Bulldogs and has one piece of advice for his young Giants teammates when they ask him what to expect.

“I’d probably tell them that if you’re off by one or two per cent, you can lose games,” Ward said.

“Or you personally won’t play a good game, which could in turn lose games for your team.

“The intensity in the game goes up, but it’s the intensity around the club, the intensity around training and the standards. So just make sure you’re on. Make sure your prep is really good.”

Ward will appear in his 19th final when the Giants take on the Swans on Saturday. Picture: Phil Hillyard

While he might look at the players around him thinking just how much has changed since he made his AFL debut in 2008, it’s Ward in fact who looks like he has been drinking from the Fountain of Youth this season.

Rejuvenated is the best way to describe the 34-year-old.

He made no secret of the fact earlier this year that Adam Kingsley’s appointment provided him with a new lease of life on the footy field. But the tactical decision to move him to the wing, a position that has regularly become home to the best young runners in the competition, has been a masterstroke.

So much so that Ward has put pen to paper to commit to an 18th season of senior footy in 2025, a choice the Giants were always happy to leave in his court.

“(My future) is one of those things I think about all the time coming to this time of year and at my age,” Ward said.

“But I’ve really enjoyed the wing role.

Quick hands from the Giants ends in a Callan Ward major.#AFLGiantsTigerspic.twitter.com/QPAlB6uBV4

— AFL (@AFL) June 4, 2023

“The balance we’ve got in our midfield means I’m required on the wing which I like. I value the role and I feel the club really values that as well.

“It’s a different role than I’ve ever played, I’m usually the inside mid that doesn’t run that much.

“Now I’m running back to support the backs and trying to get forward to kick goals.

“I never thought I’d be a permanent winger, I thought maybe 20 or 30 per cent of a game and then the rest as a half-forward or midfielder. But I’m learning all the time, which at my age people probably think there’s not that much to learn, but there always is.

“But, I’m probably at the stage of my career where I’m happy to play any role for the team.”

The veteran Giant has come into his own playing on the wing. Picture: Phil Hillyard

As he prepares for the fifth qualifying final of his career, the Swans are a familiar opponent for Ward. This will be the 31st time he has played Sydney, 11 more times than any other team.

Unfortunately for Ward, September has traditionally been a time of heartache. Devastating losses have often been combined with cruel injuries, while last year’s one-point loss to Collingwood brought up an unwanted record.

“From that prelim loss last year, I’ve now lost five prelims in my career which isn’t a great stat,” Ward said.

“But the motivation definitely becomes more deeper into the season.

“I don’t think we’ll talk too much about last year’s final series. But what we’ve done this season has been built off what we did in that prelim. We’re building on and trying to improve on last season, including that final.

“We feel like we’ve improved our system and our brand, and the game plan is more consistent. But we’re still trying to hit that consistency and play four good quarters.

“There’s no real need to find motivation in finals. But playing against Sydney, especially this year, they’re the best in the competition. So, I guess the motivation probably lifts a little bit because it’s them.”

Ward has always been trusted to play whatever role is required of him by Kingsley and the Giants. Picture: Phil Hillyard

For Ward, the motivation has always been team glory.

Being a part of an inaugural GWS premiership is the pinnacle he has always dreamt of achieving.

Earlier in the season, he was adamant that winning a premiership would see him hang the boots up for good. But it’s a sign of how great his body is feeling that the 313-gamer knows he has more to give.

With one more season guaranteed in the orange and charcoal, Ward still has some time to complete his footy bucket list. However, he knows the Giants are as well placed in 2024 as they’ve ever been.

“I’m just enjoying my footy and trying to get the most out of my career now,” Ward said.

“We’ve built a club, and a game plan and culture around the club, where people love coming here. They love playing for the Giants.

“Players enjoy the grind, train really hard and work even harder. And I think the closeness of this group, including the coaches and whole football staff, is as close as it’s ever been.”