After joining the GIANTS as an uncontracted player from the Western Bulldogs, Callan Ward became one of the inaugural Co-Captains of the GIANTS in 2012.

Ward was consistently impressive in the midfield in 2012, playing 20 games and averaging 24.4 disposals.

The exciting midfielder put in a number of promising displays throughout the year, tallying up 36 disposals in Round 3 and 33 in Round 4. He also kicked the first goal for the club in our first AFL season and also the final goal of the season against the Kangaroos in Round 23.

The young gun capped off an impressive first year at the GIANTS by winning the inaugural Kevin Sheedy Medal for the best and fairest player at the club.

Previous Player History

Callan Ward is a 21-year-old, hard running midfielder from the Western Suburbs of Melbourne.

His grandfather, Bill Gunn played for South Melbourne from 1952 to 1959 and captained the team in 1955.

Callan played his junior football with Spotswood Football Club and was exciting in the 2007 TAC Cup when he played for the Western Jets U18s.

The Western Bulldogs Football Club drafted Callan with pick 19 in the 2007 NAB AFL draft.

After making his AFL debut against St Kilda in Round 11, 2008, Callan was sidelined with a groin injury in the 2010 NAB Cup Grand Final and returned to the AFL in Round 14 last year.

Callan was awarded the NAB AFL Rising Star nomination in Round 18, 2009 after playing a key role in the Bulldogs 31-point victory over Fremantle with 22 disposals, five marks and two goals.

Ward has been impressive since his return from injury, posting a season of personal bests in kicks, inside 50s, hit outs and marks in 2011.

Ward said that he was excited about the prospect of joining the AFL’s newest club but also thanked the Western Bulldogs and their supporters for the four years he spent at the club.