‘Not something I’ve ever done’: Callan Ward moves forward in Giant shift

The former heartbeat of the GWS midfield will move to the forward line as the Giants plan to shake up their engine room.

Callan Ward has spent this pre-season training with the GWS forwards in a move that could be full-time. Picture: Phil Hillyard

GWS veteran Callan Ward is preparing to play as a forward in 2023 as the Giants look to inject new blood into their midfield mix.

The 32-year-old says he has trained “full-time” with the forward group over the pre-season, admitting he still has a lot to learn as he embarks on a late-career role change also being attempted by Trent Cotchin at Richmond.

Ward, who kicked the Giants’ first AFL goal 11 years ago, roving the front of a pack and impressively finishing on his non-preferred left boot, said there was plenty of room for improvement in his forward craft.

“It’s not something I’ve ever done, train in the forward line … obviously when you play in the midfield you have some stints in the forward line, but I’ve never trained there with the line group,” Ward said.

“It’s been a good change-up and something I’m really enjoying, and I’m learning so much at the same time, which is something that is really good to be doing in your 16th year.

“I haven’t stepped in the midfield yet, so it’s been good just to really try to nail down a role in the forward line.”

Callan Ward is hoping to add significantly to his career tally of 133 goals from 270 games when he shifts forward this season. Picture: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images

The former skipper said Giants captain Toby Greene had been a key influence on the track.

“Toby did that in his first year – played in the midfield for his whole first season and was dominating, then shifted forward,” he said.

“He’s got plenty of tricks, and I don’t quite have that athleticism or ability but trying to learn from the different patterns he runs and just the forward craft that he’s taught himself over the last 10 years.”

Ward, who played every game last year, averaging 22 disposals and three clearances, said his move out of the middle would give another player a big opportunity to spend time on the ball.

Along with leaders Tom Green, Josh Kelly and Stephen Coniglio, Harry Perryman has been training as a midfielder, while a younger player is also likely to feature on the inside.

Ward has tipped skilful left-footer Ryan Angwin to challenge for a spot in the Giants’ midfield early in the season. Picture: Phil Hillyard

“There’s about 15 of them who are trying to play there … I think Finn Callaghan, Ryan Angwin are the two young ones that stand out to me who are having really good pre-seasons,” Ward said.

“Harry Rowston has come in as well – he’s a first-year player who is doing some really good things.

“It’s really hard to know what the team is going to look like at the moment because these young guys are pushing the senior players really hard for spots.”

The Giants will play Gold Coast at Blacktown International Sportspark on Saturday in their sole pre-season practice game after holding an intraclub game in Canberra last week.