Callan Ward on his family moving to Melbourne, hunting a GWS premiership and taking hits

Callan Ward admits he hasn’t been winded like he was against St Kilda in a decade, but it hasn’t dampened the ‘burning desire’ to hunt GWS’ first premiership.

He might be known as Cement Head to many, but Callan Ward proved yet again that even in his 18th season, there might not be a braver player running around in the AFL.

During the Giants’ impressive win over St Kilda in Gather Round, Ward starred with a goal, 27 disposals and nine marks.

However, two highlight moments throughout the game emphasised just how tough he really is.

Late in the second quarter, Ward courageously ran towards a marking contest with Saint Marcus Windhager, knowing he was about to be crunched.

The impact left him on the ground for the best part of a minute, counting his ribs and searching for his breath.

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He's back on his feet after a big contest with Marcus Windhager

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For a player who has had his fair share of injuries, it was a remarkable display of putting his team first.

But not only did he not let it shake him but, if anything, it spurred Ward on.

In the third term, he then took an outrageous mark as he flew back with the flight of the ball with no regard for his own safety.

They were two moments that sum up the way Ward has played for almost two decades and emphasise that he’s still got so much more left in the tank.

Ward courageously takes a mark over St Kilda's Anthony Caminiti in the win at Norwood Oval. Picture: Phil Hillyard

“I think every now and then it’s good to get contact like that just to remind yourself that you’re playing AFL footy,” Ward said.

“You don’t want that all the time, sometimes it’s okay, but when it hurts like that, you want to avoid it.

“Everyone was saying I was carrying on a little bit, but it did hurt. I think the ribs are okay, but I haven’t been winded like that in over 10 years, I reckon.”

In a way, it was a much-needed reminder for Ward of exactly what he can contribute to the team after a slower start to the season.

Against Hawthorn in Launceston, Ward was subbed out of the game after having only four disposals.

It was the fewest he had picked up in a match since he was last subbed out in round 11, 2022, against the Lions.

“I think with (the win over Collingwood) as well, it’s probably our best game of the year,” Ward said.

“We’re still trying to nail that four-quarter performance … but I thought it was a step in the right direction for us.

“It’s nice to get 27 disposals compared to four, which I had a couple of weeks ago and got subbed out. It feels like I can still contribute to the team.

Ward bounced back to his best form with a vintage performance against the Saints. Picture: Phil Hillyard

“That’s the reason why I’m playing, to hopefully make the team better and to play in finals, to go deep in finals and win a premiership. That’s the only reason why I’m still playing.”

It’s hard to think of another player in the AFL who has sacrificed as much as Ward to try and win an elusive flag.

The 35-year-old is currently living by himself in Sydney after his wife, Ruby, and three children moved back to Melbourne at the start of the season to be closer to family.

He hadn’t intended to play on again this season, but he couldn’t dampen the fire that still burned inside him.

As a result, he’s all in on 2025 to play one more year with the Giants — for now at least —as they look to finally break through for a premiership under Adam Kingsley.

Ward is incredibly grateful to his wife, his wider family and the club for putting in place the structures to allow him one more shot at achieving his ultimate dream.

And while it’s opened his eyes to things like which of his teammates are the best at-home cooks, his focus has never been sharper on finding success on the footy field.

The 35-year-old has made plenty of sacrifices to play one more season with the Giants to hopefully bring them their first premiership. Picture: Phil Hillyard

“Xavier O’Halloran, Connor Idun and myself, every Monday or Tuesday, we get together and do a cook-up,” he said.

“Xavier’s really good, he keeps it basic so steak and veggies. Josh Kelly as well, he’s got an Italian background, and he’s pretty good in the kitchen.

“The balance has been really good. My wife, Ruby, is extremely busy and does find it hard sometimes, but she’s handling it well. Three boys on your own is tough, but she’s got plenty of support around her in Melbourne.

“The support is amazing. Everyone’s asking you out for dinner, while the club has been fantastic in allowing me to get to Melbourne when I want.

“But the balance at the footy club has been great. It feels like I’ve got all the time in the world now and it’s been good for me. Obviously I miss the kids and Ruby a lot, but I have been able to focus more on the football side of it.

“I’ve always had that eternal belief. If I didn’t have it, I wouldn’t have played again. When the team plays well, it gives you more confidence. I keep doing the right things, training hard … that’s what I’ve done my whole career and it’s usually turned out well.”

Originally published as Callan Ward on his family moving to Melbourne, hunting a GWS premiership and taking hits