Coach Leon Cameron says it’s time for GIANTS co-captain Callan Ward to be recognised with All-Australian honours.

Ward is ranked first in clearances in the AFL. He’s also third in centre clearances, sixth in total tackles, seventh in contested possessions and 11th in overall disposals - averaging more than 26 disposals and six tackles a game.

“Cal’s probably in All Australian form, if I was picking it I’d definitely have him in there,” said Cameron. “He’s just been terrific week after week. Not only inside the contest but he’s really worked hard on his outside ball as well. 

“He has a great attitude of anytime, anywhere and I think that’s reflective of his season.”

Cameron was an assistant coach at the Western Bulldogs when Ward arrived there with pick 19 in the 2007 NAB AFL Draft. Ward played 60 games for the Bulldogs before moving to the GIANTS where he has racked up 59 of a possible 63 games in his three seasons at the club.

“Coming into his seventh year I think he’s matured year after year,” Cameron said. “I remember him when he started at the Bulldogs to now as a GIANT and he just keeps getting better every year but I think he’s up in that elite company of midfielders now.”

24-year-old Ward was typically modest when asked about his possible selection, but did admit it would mean a lot to become the second GIANT to earn All Australian honours after forward Jeremy Cameron last year.

“I feel like I’m improving every year and I feel like so far this year I’ve been very consistent but I’ve got to finish off with four really good games,” he said.

“It would be a dream come true, it would be a huge honour if I was but in the meantime I’m trying to focus on playing good football for the GIANTS and I’m not thinking about individual stuff at all.”