Giants at home this weekend against Mandurah
Victory this weekend is crucial for the Giants' men's squad, who are third but just one game clear of Mandurah.
Sixth-placed Mandurah are among three teams with identical 4-2 win-loss records, alongside Geraldton and Joondalup.
A favourable draw is looming for the Giants, who will play three consecutive games on their home court, on June 7, June 14 and June 21.
The Giants' women are ninth, but are desperate to keep the momentum following last weekend's historic win against Rockingham.
It was recorded against the reigning NBL1 champions and the 106-52 scoreline was the biggest winning margin in the local squad's short history.
Mandurah are eighth — one game clear of the Giants.
Saturday's program starts at 4pm with the men's D-League clash, followed by the women's NBL1 showdown at 6pm.
The men's NBL1 game is at 8pm.
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The Advertiser
9 hours ago
- The Advertiser
I've had a good crack: Ward retires with no regrets
Retiring GWS great Callan Ward was counting down the weeks until the AFL grand final, wishing to pull off an impossible comeback from a knee reconstruction. But the 35-year-old won't waste any more time pondering what could have been, ending his storied AFL career with no regrets. Ward confirmed his retirement on Monday, two months after an anterior cruciate ligament injury in his right knee ended his bid for a maiden premiership with the Giants. The much-loved Giants veteran was in tears when he suffered the injury in the first quarter of their round-12 clash against Richmond. But Ward had refused to be ruled out of the game entirely. In his 327th and final game, Ward added to his legend and delivered a three-quarter time address on crutches that sparked a three-point win over the Tigers. "At the time, I knew that I wanted to retire straight away," Ward said on Monday. "I spoke to Dave (Matthews, Giants chief executive) about it a few days later. He said to have a think about it. "In the moment, on the ground and that night, and after the scans as well - I knew I'd done it straight away, I knew I'd done my ACL. "I was counting down the weeks until the grand final, thinking like, 'Can I get back?' and I knew I couldn't." Ward had put his retirement plans on hold to play one more season this year in a last attempt to be part of the Giants' first premiership. It was a similar injury to his left knee that had robbed him of the chance to play in the Giants' only grand final so far, the 2019 loss to Richmond. Choosing to play an 18th season came with a huge sacrifice, with Ward living apart from his wife Ruby and their three children in Melbourne. The tough inside midfielder will continue to split his rehabilitation between the club and his family as the Giants look to go all the way this season. "No, I've got no regrets at all," Ward said. "I can't regret doing my knee. I wish I could but I can't because it's out of my control. "I feel like I've done everything I can to try and get that premiership. "I've accepted that I won't be there on grand final day if the Giants were to make it. That's fine ... I've had a good crack." Ward ends his career as the club's all-time games record-holder, having played 267 games since their inaugural 2012 season. Drafted with pick No.19 in 2007, the Yarraville local made his debut for childhood club Western Bulldogs the following year and played 60 games before moving interstate. "I was very naive back when I was 21," Ward said. "I'm so glad I made the leap at the time. I didn't want to do it, to be honest. "One of the main reasons was I wanted to grow up and start fresh and challenge myself." Ward sits in the Giants' history books listed under many "firsts'': he was their first goalkicker, their first club champion and their first co-captain alongside Phil Davis. He is also a two-time winner of the Brett Kirk Medal and a recipient of the AFLPA's Robert Rose Medal. A life as a firefighter could be on the cards for Ward. "They're not taking any applicants in until next March, so I have to wait," Ward said. Retiring GWS great Callan Ward was counting down the weeks until the AFL grand final, wishing to pull off an impossible comeback from a knee reconstruction. But the 35-year-old won't waste any more time pondering what could have been, ending his storied AFL career with no regrets. Ward confirmed his retirement on Monday, two months after an anterior cruciate ligament injury in his right knee ended his bid for a maiden premiership with the Giants. The much-loved Giants veteran was in tears when he suffered the injury in the first quarter of their round-12 clash against Richmond. But Ward had refused to be ruled out of the game entirely. In his 327th and final game, Ward added to his legend and delivered a three-quarter time address on crutches that sparked a three-point win over the Tigers. "At the time, I knew that I wanted to retire straight away," Ward said on Monday. "I spoke to Dave (Matthews, Giants chief executive) about it a few days later. He said to have a think about it. "In the moment, on the ground and that night, and after the scans as well - I knew I'd done it straight away, I knew I'd done my ACL. "I was counting down the weeks until the grand final, thinking like, 'Can I get back?' and I knew I couldn't." Ward had put his retirement plans on hold to play one more season this year in a last attempt to be part of the Giants' first premiership. It was a similar injury to his left knee that had robbed him of the chance to play in the Giants' only grand final so far, the 2019 loss to Richmond. Choosing to play an 18th season came with a huge sacrifice, with Ward living apart from his wife Ruby and their three children in Melbourne. The tough inside midfielder will continue to split his rehabilitation between the club and his family as the Giants look to go all the way this season. "No, I've got no regrets at all," Ward said. "I can't regret doing my knee. I wish I could but I can't because it's out of my control. "I feel like I've done everything I can to try and get that premiership. "I've accepted that I won't be there on grand final day if the Giants were to make it. That's fine ... I've had a good crack." Ward ends his career as the club's all-time games record-holder, having played 267 games since their inaugural 2012 season. Drafted with pick No.19 in 2007, the Yarraville local made his debut for childhood club Western Bulldogs the following year and played 60 games before moving interstate. "I was very naive back when I was 21," Ward said. "I'm so glad I made the leap at the time. I didn't want to do it, to be honest. "One of the main reasons was I wanted to grow up and start fresh and challenge myself." Ward sits in the Giants' history books listed under many "firsts'': he was their first goalkicker, their first club champion and their first co-captain alongside Phil Davis. He is also a two-time winner of the Brett Kirk Medal and a recipient of the AFLPA's Robert Rose Medal. A life as a firefighter could be on the cards for Ward. "They're not taking any applicants in until next March, so I have to wait," Ward said. Retiring GWS great Callan Ward was counting down the weeks until the AFL grand final, wishing to pull off an impossible comeback from a knee reconstruction. But the 35-year-old won't waste any more time pondering what could have been, ending his storied AFL career with no regrets. Ward confirmed his retirement on Monday, two months after an anterior cruciate ligament injury in his right knee ended his bid for a maiden premiership with the Giants. The much-loved Giants veteran was in tears when he suffered the injury in the first quarter of their round-12 clash against Richmond. But Ward had refused to be ruled out of the game entirely. In his 327th and final game, Ward added to his legend and delivered a three-quarter time address on crutches that sparked a three-point win over the Tigers. "At the time, I knew that I wanted to retire straight away," Ward said on Monday. "I spoke to Dave (Matthews, Giants chief executive) about it a few days later. He said to have a think about it. "In the moment, on the ground and that night, and after the scans as well - I knew I'd done it straight away, I knew I'd done my ACL. "I was counting down the weeks until the grand final, thinking like, 'Can I get back?' and I knew I couldn't." Ward had put his retirement plans on hold to play one more season this year in a last attempt to be part of the Giants' first premiership. It was a similar injury to his left knee that had robbed him of the chance to play in the Giants' only grand final so far, the 2019 loss to Richmond. Choosing to play an 18th season came with a huge sacrifice, with Ward living apart from his wife Ruby and their three children in Melbourne. The tough inside midfielder will continue to split his rehabilitation between the club and his family as the Giants look to go all the way this season. "No, I've got no regrets at all," Ward said. "I can't regret doing my knee. I wish I could but I can't because it's out of my control. "I feel like I've done everything I can to try and get that premiership. "I've accepted that I won't be there on grand final day if the Giants were to make it. That's fine ... I've had a good crack." Ward ends his career as the club's all-time games record-holder, having played 267 games since their inaugural 2012 season. Drafted with pick No.19 in 2007, the Yarraville local made his debut for childhood club Western Bulldogs the following year and played 60 games before moving interstate. "I was very naive back when I was 21," Ward said. "I'm so glad I made the leap at the time. I didn't want to do it, to be honest. "One of the main reasons was I wanted to grow up and start fresh and challenge myself." Ward sits in the Giants' history books listed under many "firsts'': he was their first goalkicker, their first club champion and their first co-captain alongside Phil Davis. He is also a two-time winner of the Brett Kirk Medal and a recipient of the AFLPA's Robert Rose Medal. A life as a firefighter could be on the cards for Ward. "They're not taking any applicants in until next March, so I have to wait," Ward said.
Perth Now
11 hours ago
- Perth Now
‘Loads of goals': New Brisbane striker's aim
New Brisbane Roar striker Chris Long is looking forward to scoring 'loads of goals' for a club desperate to rekindle its past glories. Englishman Long arrived in Queensland on Sunday night ready to lead the Roar's revamped new attack that also includes fellow fresh signings Michael Ruhs and Justin Vidic. 'This opportunity is massive for me – I can't wait for it to get started,' the 30-year-old marksman said. 'I'm in my prime now. It's the best I've ever felt with my body. The A-League's got me at the right time.' Long's move to Australia is a fresh start for him after what he described as a 'tough' few years at English lower league club Crewe Alexandra. 'I've learnt things and I've matured,' he said. 'I want to be part of success here.' The Roar hasn't tasted success since winning a third A-League title in four seasons in 2014. The club's past few years have been particularly depressing for fans, with Brisbane not having played finals football since 2021 and having been among the competition's also-rans. However, under new coach Michael Valkanis, the club is hopeful of a revival, showing signs of improvement in a 2-2 weekend trial draw with last season's Premier's Plate winners Auckland FC. 'I can't wait to work under him,' Long said of Valkanis. 'There are some really good young players at the club as well. Hopefully, they help me out and I can help them out.' Soon after arriving in Brisbane, Long drove past the club's home ground, Suncorp Stadium, and he liked what he saw. 'The stadium's incredible. I can't wait to score loads of goals there,' the former England youth international said. 'Win football matches – that's the plan.' Long said he had heard nothing but good things about the A-League from three of his countrymen – Zach Clough, Adam Le Fondre and David Ball – who had stints in the competition with Adelaide United, Sydney FC and Wellington Phoenix respectively. 'They had nothing but positive words to say about the league, and that it was the best thing you'll ever do, so I couldn't say no,' he said.
The Australian
13 hours ago
- The Australian
Giants legend Callan Ward calls time on historic 327-game AFL career
Callan Ward has been lauded as the 'heart and soul' of the GWs Giants after the club's inaugural captain called time on his remarkable 327-game career. The 35-year-old warrior put his body on the line for 18 seasons, first with the Western Bulldogs then made himself a trailblazer with the Giants by joining them in their inaugural season in 2011. He was the club's first co-captain, kicked the expansion team's first goal, won the first club best and fairest and in 2024 became the first player to notch 250 games for the Giants and is the club's games record holder. 'Callan Ward has been the heart and soul of this football club since day one,' Giants chief executive David Matthews said. 'It was a courageous decision to join the Giants, to join a start-up and confront the many challenges of building an AFL club from scratch. He didn't just help build the Giants – he helped define who we are. 'From the moment he arrived, Callan brought leadership, toughness, and professionalism that shaped our culture and set the standard for every player who's walked through our doors. 'It is hard to overstate the impact Callan has had – not just on the field but off it. He has been a role model, a mentor, and a cornerstone of our club's identity for 14 seasons. 'To see his career end the way it did is heartbreaking, but it's also fitting that even in that moment, his focus was on lifting his teammates. That is who Callan Ward is. 'Callan Ward retires as a Giants legend, an AFL great, and someone who leaves an enduring legacy for decades to come. 'We also extend our very best wishes to Ruby, Romeo, Ralfie, and Rex as they embark on their next chapter as a family. You'll always be a part of the Giants family and we wish you nothing but success and happiness in the future.' Ward's final season in the AFL was cut down by an ACL injury he suffered in round 12, the second of his career. NewsWire The family of a Sydney woman who vanished decades ago have called for help as a new clue in the mystery of her disappearance is revealed. NewsWire The Australian Federal Police will get its first female commissioner after Reece Kershaw's shock early retirement.
