GWS co-captain Callan Ward visits reconditioning expert Bill Knowles while holidaying in the US

While enjoying his post-season holiday in the US, GWS veteran Callan Ward joined a rehabilitation camp with a world-renowned reconditioning specialist in his bid to get back on the field as soon as possible.

Giants co-captain Callan Ward has sought the magic touch of renowned reconditioning specialist Bill Knowles as he continues his fight for full fitness following an ACL injury.

Philadelphia-based Knowles has helped the likes of Tiger Woods, Andy Murray and Frank Lampard get back to the top of their game after injury as well as numerous AFL stars, including former Giant Jonathon Patton and West Coast Eagles’ Nic Naitanui.

Ward ruptured his left ACL during the Giants’ Round 4 clash with Geelong, ruling him out for the vast majority of a campaign that saw the club reach its first Grand Final.

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He spent much of the campaign helping coach and mentor the club’s younger players and on matchdays he took his place on the bench, assisting coach Leon Cameron.

But by season’s end, the 29-year-old had started running again as he set his sights on a return to action in 2020.

While enjoying a post-season break in the US, Ward has not wasted the chance to seek advice from Knowles and take part in a rehabilitation camp.

He was joined at Knowles’ clinic by Giants rehabilitation physiotherapist Luke Heath.

An injured Callan Ward with Heath Shaw after the Giants’ semi-final win last season. Picture: Getty Images

Ward spent five days with Knowles and his staff, enjoying two sessions each day.

“CW is ticking along well and making great progress,” Knowles said via social media of Ward’s visit.

“Great to see the team support from @lukeheath 85, considering the long journey.”

Former Giant Devon Smith (now at Essendon) has also been working with Knowles in recent days, along with the Dons’ physio.

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A Giants spokesman said Ward was due to report back to the club on December 2 when the bulk of the senior playing group begin pre-season training.

It is understood Ward will continue to work on his individual training program with no return date to action officially locked in.

The Giants’ first to four year players start back at the WestConnex Centre on Monday, along with newly-acquired ruckman Sam Jacobs, although youngsters who played large chunks of the 2019 campaign, including Kevin Sheedy medallist Tim Taranto, Jacob Hopper and Harry Himmelberg will start back a week later.