Giants legend Callan Ward calls time on historic 327-game AFL 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
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