The number eight jumper is now synonymous with GIANTS legend Callan Ward, who wore it for 267 games in orange and charcoal. But it wasn't always destined to be his. 

As the GIANTS celebrate their 15th season, Ward reflected on his journey with the club, recalling how he had to convince a highly rated young teammate to give up the now famous number eight jumper. 

“Jeremy Cameron stands out [as a teammate I bonded with early on] because of the number situation,” Ward shared. 

“Before I came to the GIANTS, I was trying to get number eight. I’d worn number four at the Bulldogs, but number eight was a family number for me because my dad and grandfather had worn it. 

“I asked the GIANTS if number eight was available, and they told me they had this young kid, Jeremy Cameron, wearing it at the moment, and that they rated him pretty highly. I told them that I’d really like it, even though I didn’t know Jeremy. 

“Anyway, Jeremy ended up giving up number eight, so I took it off him. And I love reminding him of that,” Ward laughed. 

That recollection was just one of many fond memories Ward shared of the early days inside a club in its infancy formed largely by fresh-faced teenagers from around the country.  

“The obvious thing I remember was how young everyone was,” he said. 

“Even though I was only 21 at the time, I almost felt like a really senior player. 

“The whole process felt a bit like a school camp or a boarding camp. We were all living together, having breakfast together, eating dinner together and training together all day. We were with each other almost 24/7 and lived together as one group. 

“Those first few days really stand out because of how young the group was and how much fun we had. Even later on, when we started playing and getting beaten heavily, it was still so much fun. We always found a way to have a laugh.” 

Among those early memories were the friendships Ward formed almost as soon as he arrived in Sydney.  

“I remember when I first got to Breakfast Point, I was swimming in the pool and didn’t really know much about the 17-year-olds or the players who were already there. And there was this big ruckman in the pool by the name of Jonathan Giles. We got chatting about the GIANTS and worked out we were teammates,” Ward laughed.  

“I asked him who he was living with, and he said a bloke by the name of Tim Mohr. I’d never heard of Tim at that point. Anyway, both of them ended up becoming my best mates, so those two really stand out from those first few days. 

“Dylan Shiel, Adam Treloar and Jeremy Cameron also stand out. I think they took me out for dinner with [club welfare manager] Craig Lambert on my first day, so I remember those three being welcoming as well.” 

Those early days also brought Ward his first major leadership challenge: becoming one of the club’s inaugural co-captains. 

Although Ward would go on to thrive in the role, he admits he was initially reluctant to take on the responsibility at just 21 years old.  

“I didn’t really feel pressure [as captain] but before I accepted the position I’ll admit I wasn’t that keen on it. 

“What I did feel was probably a bit of pressure to accept the role because everyone was so young and I felt like an experienced player. 

“Once I accepted it though, there wasn’t too much pressure. I was still very young myself and was learning about captaincy and leadership. The club wasn’t really putting pressure on me to be better straight away. 

“It was more about learning as quickly as I could and doing the best job I could.” 

The experience taught Ward plenty about leadership, but one lesson stood above the rest: the importance of being authentic.  

“One of the main things was learning to be vulnerable and allowing your flaws to show through. Don’t try to hide them. Embrace who you are and let people see you for that. 

“Another lesson was the importance of connecting with everybody, whether it was the players, coaching staff, trainers, the CEO, or anyone else involved in the club. You need to be as open as you can and spend as much time as possible with people, because relationships are one of the most important things in leadership.” 

Ward also credits Phil Davis as a key part of his leadership journey, with the pair forming the longest-serving co-captain partnership in AFL history.  

“It helped a lot having Phil Davis, who is now one of my closest mates.  

“It probably took us a couple of years to really click because we approached things differently. 

“Phil’s leadership style was very black and white. He knew exactly what he wanted and what he expected from his players. I was a bit more flexible with people and tried to understand them a little more. 

“He was the guy who would hold people accountable and demand very high standards, while I was more likely to pull people aside and give them confidence. 

“We balanced each other out well. I think we both improved through that relationship. I became a bit more ruthless in my approach, while Phil developed a softer approach as well, which was good.” 

For Ward, one of the proudest parts of his legacy is the culture established by the club's inaugural playing group and the next generation of leaders continuing to carry it forward.  

“Whenever I hear people talk about the culture at the club, it’s something I’m really proud of.  

“I’m proud that we were part of that first group of players who helped set the tone and establish something we thought was special. I love seeing that carry through today, and I love seeing how it has evolved. 

“I also love seeing young players step into leadership positions, like Connor Idun, Tom Green, Jack Buckley, and Sam Taylor, who I’ve worked pretty closely with throughout their careers. Seeing those guys help lead the football club forward is fantastic.” 

While proud of what the inaugural group helped build, Ward remains optimistic about the GIANTS' future, backing the current playing list to take the club forward despite the recent departure of some experienced players. 

“There has been a bit of outside noise, and I think some of it is fair given we’ve lost a fair bit of experience and some older players, but from my perspective, and from the people involved in the club I speak to, we still believe it’s a very, very strong list. 

“Injuries are no excuse, but we’ve been hit pretty hard by them this season. Our inconsistency has also been disappointing, and that’s something we need to improve on. 

“However, I believe our young talent is among the best in the competition. There are a lot of guys who haven’t played much senior football, or haven’t played an AFL game at all, who are ready to step up. 

“We need to improve, like every club does, but I still believe we have a very good list.” 

From the early days of a young playing group finding its feet to helping shape the club's leadership and culture, Ward's journey has mirrored that of the GIANTS themselves. Fifteen seasons on, he remains proud of the foundations laid by that inaugural group and excited to see the next generation carry them forward.