ACL fears and tears after Giants great goes down
GWS great Callan Ward was in tears after suffering a knee injury that looks like ending his storied AFL career.
The obvious fear on Saturday afternoon at Engie Stadium was that the former Giants captain had suffered an anterior cruciate ligament tear.
If that is the case, the 35-year-old will not play again this season. He signed a one-year deal for 2025 and is living apart from his wife and three young children, who are in Melbourne, as he tries to win an elusive premiership.
There were emotional scenes in the first term when Ward needed help from trainers to limp from the field.
The home fans warmly applauded one of their favourite players, and fellow veteran Giant Lachie Whitfield hugged Ward before he was helped to the rooms.
Ward had contested a mark on the outer wing with opponent Hugo Ralphsmith, then the ball went to ground.
The Giants veteran's right leg pivoted as he tried to tackle Ralphsmith and he collapsed in agony.
All the immediate signs, and all the TV commentary, was that Ward had done an ACL.
Ward was one of the Giants' first co-captains when they joined the AFL in 2012 and he has played 326 games - 60 for the Western Bulldogs and 266 for GWS.
An ACL tear in his left knee ruined Ward's 2019 season, meaning he missed their only grand final so far, which they lost to the Tigers.
GWS kicked the opening goal of Saturday's game, but Richmond piled on the next five to take control in the first quarter after Ward left the field.
GWS great Callan Ward was in tears after suffering a knee injury that looks like ending his storied AFL career.
The obvious fear on Saturday afternoon at Engie Stadium was that the former Giants captain had suffered an anterior cruciate ligament tear.
If that is the case, the 35-year-old will not play again this season. He signed a one-year deal for 2025 and is living apart from his wife and three young children, who are in Melbourne, as he tries to win an elusive premiership.
There were emotional scenes in the first term when Ward needed help from trainers to limp from the field.
The home fans warmly applauded one of their favourite players, and fellow veteran Giant Lachie Whitfield hugged Ward before he was helped to the rooms.
Ward had contested a mark on the outer wing with opponent Hugo Ralphsmith, then the ball went to ground.
The Giants veteran's right leg pivoted as he tried to tackle Ralphsmith and he collapsed in agony.
All the immediate signs, and all the TV commentary, was that Ward had done an ACL.
Ward was one of the Giants' first co-captains when they joined the AFL in 2012 and he has played 326 games - 60 for the Western Bulldogs and 266 for GWS.
An ACL tear in his left knee ruined Ward's 2019 season, meaning he missed their only grand final so far, which they lost to the Tigers.
GWS kicked the opening goal of Saturday's game, but Richmond piled on the next five to take control in the first quarter after Ward left the field.
GWS great Callan Ward was in tears after suffering a knee injury that looks like ending his storied AFL career.
The obvious fear on Saturday afternoon at Engie Stadium was that the former Giants captain had suffered an anterior cruciate ligament tear.
If that is the case, the 35-year-old will not play again this season. He signed a one-year deal for 2025 and is living apart from his wife and three young children, who are in Melbourne, as he tries to win an elusive premiership.
There were emotional scenes in the first term when Ward needed help from trainers to limp from the field.
The home fans warmly applauded one of their favourite players, and fellow veteran Giant Lachie Whitfield hugged Ward before he was helped to the rooms.
Ward had contested a mark on the outer wing with opponent Hugo Ralphsmith, then the ball went to ground.
The Giants veteran's right leg pivoted as he tried to tackle Ralphsmith and he collapsed in agony.
All the immediate signs, and all the TV commentary, was that Ward had done an ACL.
Ward was one of the Giants' first co-captains when they joined the AFL in 2012 and he has played 326 games - 60 for the Western Bulldogs and 266 for GWS.
An ACL tear in his left knee ruined Ward's 2019 season, meaning he missed their only grand final so far, which they lost to the Tigers.
GWS kicked the opening goal of Saturday's game, but Richmond piled on the next five to take control in the first quarter after Ward left the field.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
News.com.au
21 minutes ago
- News.com.au
Kane Cornes apologises for ‘misleading' AFL umpire comments
A controversial footy analyst has apologised after a quartet of top-level AFL umpires contemplated legal action against three Channel 7 stars after being 'falsely accused of lying and misleading the AFL'. Comments from former AFL players Kane Cornes, Dale Thomas and Luke Hodge regarding the umpires' handling of Lachie Schultz' Round 9 concussion were at the centre of the potential legal proceedings. FOX FOOTY, available on Kayo Sports, is the only place to watch every match of every round in the 2025 Toyota AFL Premiership Season LIVE in 4K, with no ad-breaks during play. New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited-time offer. The remarks were made on May 13 during The Agenda Setters program and were subsequently promoted online. On Thursday night, Cornes apologised via his radio platform SEN. The other two are expected to apologise on TV over the weekend. 'On May 14th edition of SEN Sportsday I accused field umpires who were officiating that round nine match between Fremantle and Collingwood of misleading the AFL and that they had not seen the incident in which Collingwood's Lachie Schultz suffered a concussion,' Cornes said. 'I made some of those comments having seen two initial statements made by the AFL with regards to the matter on Friday May 9th, and then also on Tuesday May the 13th. And further comments after seeing the additional statement made by the AFL, readdressing their initial statements. 'Now in light of the additional statement, which made it clear that the umpires had not misled the AFL, I acknowledge that the allegations made by me on this show were false and I withdraw them. 'I understand the umpires truthfully told the AFL that they saw the incident and did not mislead the AFL. So I unreservedly apologise to Simon Meredith, Craig Fleer, Justin Power and Martin Roger for making these false allegations.' Meredith, Fleer, Power and Rodger were the officiating umpires in the clash between Fremantle and Collingwood, in which Schultz was concussed during the final quarter. After the Magpies forward collided with Docker Jordan Clark, a notable amount of time passed before play was stopped to allow trainers to safely remove the forward from the field of play. The handling of the incident led to conflicting interpretations between the AFL and the officiating team. The league initially stated that the umpires had not seen the injured player and therefore didn't stop play. However, broadcast footage and accompanying umpire audio, aired by Seven, included one official stating: 'Got an injured player in the middle. I'm watching. We are OK. We are OK.' An umpire was then soon heard telling a player: 'We can only stop the play if the ball is coming near or if they instruct us to.' This was in direct contrast to the AFL's statement the day after the clash in Perth, which 'the umpires did not see the injured player at the time, so play continued'. The umpires were then accused of providing deceitful information to the league, but were later cleared of any wrongdoing as the league cited a miscommunication within the umpiring division. The AFL's error left the umpiring quartet susceptible to a mountain of backlash, inclusive of the Channel 7 personalities. 'It (the consideration of legal action) all stems from comments from three weeks ago, and the umpires remain filthy,' Morris reported on Nine's news bulletin, before elaborating later on Footy Classified with a statement from AFL Umpires Association chief executive Rob Kerr. 'The four umpires involved in the Schultz debacle three weeks ago … are considering taking legal action against Kane Cornes, Dale Thomas and Luke Hodge for comments that they made on (Seven) on May 13.' Speaking on Triple M, Thomas said, as of Wednesday morning, that he 'hadn't received any formal documents from anyone'. He added: 'While I am aware of the statement that's been made and the report, I honestly can't say anything more until more information or anything else is brought to light. 'Unfortunately I can't give any greater insight to it, but that's as much as I can say.'
The Advertiser
an hour ago
- The Advertiser
Suns' top-four spot on line in Geelong 'litmus test'
Damien Hardwick doesn't know how much progress he's made in attempting to turn Gold Coast into genuine AFL finals threats, and ultimately flag contenders. But the three-time Richmond premiership coach feels he's about to find out. Stung by a tough home loss to Fremantle, the Suns (8-3) take on Geelong (8-4) at GMHBA Stadium on Saturday in what shapes as another huge examination of their credentials. "It's a great litmus test for our group and how far we've come," Gold Coast coach Hardwick said on Thursday. "Every game is another opportunity to improve and build on our identity piece, and we're really looking forward to the challenge. "They're an outstanding football club - well-coached, well-drilled and very experienced in what they do and how they operate - so it's going to be a great test for us." Hardwick declared last week's 11-point defeat to Fremantle a "gift" that highlighted some shortcomings the Suns need to work on. At the top of the list was giving up easy scores, with Hardwick admitting his side paid too much "crap goal tax" early in the match. "We gave up about four goals that are unlike us and unfortunately we paid the price," he said. "What we have learnt though is that in every game we give ourselves an opportunity. "Our system keeps us safe and it's an arm-wrestle and then hopefully eventually we come over the top. "The great thing about our season thus far is we've done that more times than not." Hardwick, a veteran of 548 AFL games as a player and senior coach, will venture to Geelong's Kardinia Park ground for just the fifth time since his debut for Essendon in 1994. The 52-year-old is still searching for his first victory at the venue, where the Cats are rarely beaten. So too are the Suns, who are winless in eight attempts. It will be Gold Coast's first trip to GMHBA Stadium since August 2021, when they were thrashed by Essendon in front of empty stands at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. "People often talk about how skinny the 'Cattery' is, but it's the length, in my view, that generally challenges you the most," Hardwick said. "You've sort of got to play to the ball, not the markings on the ground. "What the Cats are very good at is getting marks inside-50, so we've got to make sure we understand they don't want to kick long and they're not going to kick long. "We've got to make sure we defend those little lead-ups." Hardwick changed the dimensions of Gold Coast's training ground to match those of GMHBA Stadium in preparation for Saturday's contest. Damien Hardwick doesn't know how much progress he's made in attempting to turn Gold Coast into genuine AFL finals threats, and ultimately flag contenders. But the three-time Richmond premiership coach feels he's about to find out. Stung by a tough home loss to Fremantle, the Suns (8-3) take on Geelong (8-4) at GMHBA Stadium on Saturday in what shapes as another huge examination of their credentials. "It's a great litmus test for our group and how far we've come," Gold Coast coach Hardwick said on Thursday. "Every game is another opportunity to improve and build on our identity piece, and we're really looking forward to the challenge. "They're an outstanding football club - well-coached, well-drilled and very experienced in what they do and how they operate - so it's going to be a great test for us." Hardwick declared last week's 11-point defeat to Fremantle a "gift" that highlighted some shortcomings the Suns need to work on. At the top of the list was giving up easy scores, with Hardwick admitting his side paid too much "crap goal tax" early in the match. "We gave up about four goals that are unlike us and unfortunately we paid the price," he said. "What we have learnt though is that in every game we give ourselves an opportunity. "Our system keeps us safe and it's an arm-wrestle and then hopefully eventually we come over the top. "The great thing about our season thus far is we've done that more times than not." Hardwick, a veteran of 548 AFL games as a player and senior coach, will venture to Geelong's Kardinia Park ground for just the fifth time since his debut for Essendon in 1994. The 52-year-old is still searching for his first victory at the venue, where the Cats are rarely beaten. So too are the Suns, who are winless in eight attempts. It will be Gold Coast's first trip to GMHBA Stadium since August 2021, when they were thrashed by Essendon in front of empty stands at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. "People often talk about how skinny the 'Cattery' is, but it's the length, in my view, that generally challenges you the most," Hardwick said. "You've sort of got to play to the ball, not the markings on the ground. "What the Cats are very good at is getting marks inside-50, so we've got to make sure we understand they don't want to kick long and they're not going to kick long. "We've got to make sure we defend those little lead-ups." Hardwick changed the dimensions of Gold Coast's training ground to match those of GMHBA Stadium in preparation for Saturday's contest. Damien Hardwick doesn't know how much progress he's made in attempting to turn Gold Coast into genuine AFL finals threats, and ultimately flag contenders. But the three-time Richmond premiership coach feels he's about to find out. Stung by a tough home loss to Fremantle, the Suns (8-3) take on Geelong (8-4) at GMHBA Stadium on Saturday in what shapes as another huge examination of their credentials. "It's a great litmus test for our group and how far we've come," Gold Coast coach Hardwick said on Thursday. "Every game is another opportunity to improve and build on our identity piece, and we're really looking forward to the challenge. "They're an outstanding football club - well-coached, well-drilled and very experienced in what they do and how they operate - so it's going to be a great test for us." Hardwick declared last week's 11-point defeat to Fremantle a "gift" that highlighted some shortcomings the Suns need to work on. At the top of the list was giving up easy scores, with Hardwick admitting his side paid too much "crap goal tax" early in the match. "We gave up about four goals that are unlike us and unfortunately we paid the price," he said. "What we have learnt though is that in every game we give ourselves an opportunity. "Our system keeps us safe and it's an arm-wrestle and then hopefully eventually we come over the top. "The great thing about our season thus far is we've done that more times than not." Hardwick, a veteran of 548 AFL games as a player and senior coach, will venture to Geelong's Kardinia Park ground for just the fifth time since his debut for Essendon in 1994. The 52-year-old is still searching for his first victory at the venue, where the Cats are rarely beaten. So too are the Suns, who are winless in eight attempts. It will be Gold Coast's first trip to GMHBA Stadium since August 2021, when they were thrashed by Essendon in front of empty stands at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. "People often talk about how skinny the 'Cattery' is, but it's the length, in my view, that generally challenges you the most," Hardwick said. "You've sort of got to play to the ball, not the markings on the ground. "What the Cats are very good at is getting marks inside-50, so we've got to make sure we understand they don't want to kick long and they're not going to kick long. "We've got to make sure we defend those little lead-ups." Hardwick changed the dimensions of Gold Coast's training ground to match those of GMHBA Stadium in preparation for Saturday's contest.
The Advertiser
an hour ago
- The Advertiser
Bears' huge task revealed as coach announcement looms
Mal Meninga has a mighty task to make the Perth Bears competitive from the outset as history paints a bleak picture of the NRL's expansion teams in their early years. The NRL is poised to unveil Meninga as the Bears' head coach this week, with the rugby league legend expected to relinquish his post in charge of the Australian national team to take the helm in 2027. The nine-time State of Origin series-winning coach is understood to have beaten South Sydney great Sam Burgess and former Parramatta boss Brad Arthur to the role, his first in charge of a club since 2001. The appointment of household name Meninga is expected to help generate big interest in the AFL-mad city, which has not had a team since the Western Reds folded in 1997. But a tough task looms for Meninga amid the excitement of the Bears' return to the NRL, 25 years after their Northern Eagles merger with Manly collapsed. Some 14 expansion teams have joined the NRL and its predecessors since 1982, when the league first began to expand out of Sydney. Only two of those teams, the Brisbane Broncos and Melbourne Storm, played finals in their first two seasons. Even then, the Broncos only made it to a play-off game to reach the official post-season in 1989, losing that match to Cronulla. Among the 12 remaining teams, only one - the Auckland Warriors of 1995 - had a winning record in either of their first two seasons, while three picked up the wooden spoon in the same time-frame. Only six of the 12 remaining are still in the league in their current format, the vast majority of others folding in the aftermath of the 1997 Super League War. The last Perth expansion team, the Reds, did not play finals in any of their three seasons, the best of those an 11th-placed finish in 1995 that ended with a respectable 50 per cent winning record. The statistics come after Wayne Bennett told AAP last month coaching an expansion team was one of rugby league's bigger challenges. NRL HQ considers the Dolphins expansion project a big success for its nationwide fan community and ability to challenge the Broncos for airtime in rugby league heartland Brisbane. But even then, master coach Bennett did not lead the team to finals in their first two years, and the team sits outside the top eight at the halfway mark of their third campaign. "(Coaching an expansion team) sounds like a lot of fun but it can be a journey to nowhere," South Sydney coach Bennett told AAP last month. "It's an extremely tough gig and it's not something I would recommend for anyone to take up." EXPANSION TEAMS THAT PLAYED FINALS IN THEIR FIRST TWO SEASONS:- Brisbane Broncos: 7th (1988), 6th^ (1989) Melbourne Storm: 3rd^ (1998), 3rd^ (1999) EXPANSION TEAMS THAT MISSED FINALS IN THEIR FIRST TWO SEASONS Canberra Raiders: 14th* (1982), 10th (1983) Illawarra Steelers: 13th (1982), 12th (1983) Newcastle Knights: 14th (1988), 7th (1989) Gold Coast/Tweed Heads Giants: 15th (1988), 13th (1989) South Queensland Crushers: 16th (1995), 20th* (1996) Western Reds: 11th (1995), 16th (1996) North Queensland Cowboys: 20th* (1995), 17th (1996) The Warriors: 10th (1995), 11th (1996) Adelaide Rams: 9th (1997, Super League), 17th (1998) Hunter Mariners: 6th (1997, Super League), N/A (1998) Gold Coast Titans: 12th (2007), 13th (2008) The Dolphins: 13th (2023), 10th (2024) ^denotes the team played finals *denotes the team finished last Mal Meninga has a mighty task to make the Perth Bears competitive from the outset as history paints a bleak picture of the NRL's expansion teams in their early years. The NRL is poised to unveil Meninga as the Bears' head coach this week, with the rugby league legend expected to relinquish his post in charge of the Australian national team to take the helm in 2027. The nine-time State of Origin series-winning coach is understood to have beaten South Sydney great Sam Burgess and former Parramatta boss Brad Arthur to the role, his first in charge of a club since 2001. The appointment of household name Meninga is expected to help generate big interest in the AFL-mad city, which has not had a team since the Western Reds folded in 1997. But a tough task looms for Meninga amid the excitement of the Bears' return to the NRL, 25 years after their Northern Eagles merger with Manly collapsed. Some 14 expansion teams have joined the NRL and its predecessors since 1982, when the league first began to expand out of Sydney. Only two of those teams, the Brisbane Broncos and Melbourne Storm, played finals in their first two seasons. Even then, the Broncos only made it to a play-off game to reach the official post-season in 1989, losing that match to Cronulla. Among the 12 remaining teams, only one - the Auckland Warriors of 1995 - had a winning record in either of their first two seasons, while three picked up the wooden spoon in the same time-frame. Only six of the 12 remaining are still in the league in their current format, the vast majority of others folding in the aftermath of the 1997 Super League War. The last Perth expansion team, the Reds, did not play finals in any of their three seasons, the best of those an 11th-placed finish in 1995 that ended with a respectable 50 per cent winning record. The statistics come after Wayne Bennett told AAP last month coaching an expansion team was one of rugby league's bigger challenges. NRL HQ considers the Dolphins expansion project a big success for its nationwide fan community and ability to challenge the Broncos for airtime in rugby league heartland Brisbane. But even then, master coach Bennett did not lead the team to finals in their first two years, and the team sits outside the top eight at the halfway mark of their third campaign. "(Coaching an expansion team) sounds like a lot of fun but it can be a journey to nowhere," South Sydney coach Bennett told AAP last month. "It's an extremely tough gig and it's not something I would recommend for anyone to take up." EXPANSION TEAMS THAT PLAYED FINALS IN THEIR FIRST TWO SEASONS:- Brisbane Broncos: 7th (1988), 6th^ (1989) Melbourne Storm: 3rd^ (1998), 3rd^ (1999) EXPANSION TEAMS THAT MISSED FINALS IN THEIR FIRST TWO SEASONS Canberra Raiders: 14th* (1982), 10th (1983) Illawarra Steelers: 13th (1982), 12th (1983) Newcastle Knights: 14th (1988), 7th (1989) Gold Coast/Tweed Heads Giants: 15th (1988), 13th (1989) South Queensland Crushers: 16th (1995), 20th* (1996) Western Reds: 11th (1995), 16th (1996) North Queensland Cowboys: 20th* (1995), 17th (1996) The Warriors: 10th (1995), 11th (1996) Adelaide Rams: 9th (1997, Super League), 17th (1998) Hunter Mariners: 6th (1997, Super League), N/A (1998) Gold Coast Titans: 12th (2007), 13th (2008) The Dolphins: 13th (2023), 10th (2024) ^denotes the team played finals *denotes the team finished last Mal Meninga has a mighty task to make the Perth Bears competitive from the outset as history paints a bleak picture of the NRL's expansion teams in their early years. The NRL is poised to unveil Meninga as the Bears' head coach this week, with the rugby league legend expected to relinquish his post in charge of the Australian national team to take the helm in 2027. The nine-time State of Origin series-winning coach is understood to have beaten South Sydney great Sam Burgess and former Parramatta boss Brad Arthur to the role, his first in charge of a club since 2001. The appointment of household name Meninga is expected to help generate big interest in the AFL-mad city, which has not had a team since the Western Reds folded in 1997. But a tough task looms for Meninga amid the excitement of the Bears' return to the NRL, 25 years after their Northern Eagles merger with Manly collapsed. Some 14 expansion teams have joined the NRL and its predecessors since 1982, when the league first began to expand out of Sydney. Only two of those teams, the Brisbane Broncos and Melbourne Storm, played finals in their first two seasons. Even then, the Broncos only made it to a play-off game to reach the official post-season in 1989, losing that match to Cronulla. Among the 12 remaining teams, only one - the Auckland Warriors of 1995 - had a winning record in either of their first two seasons, while three picked up the wooden spoon in the same time-frame. Only six of the 12 remaining are still in the league in their current format, the vast majority of others folding in the aftermath of the 1997 Super League War. The last Perth expansion team, the Reds, did not play finals in any of their three seasons, the best of those an 11th-placed finish in 1995 that ended with a respectable 50 per cent winning record. The statistics come after Wayne Bennett told AAP last month coaching an expansion team was one of rugby league's bigger challenges. NRL HQ considers the Dolphins expansion project a big success for its nationwide fan community and ability to challenge the Broncos for airtime in rugby league heartland Brisbane. But even then, master coach Bennett did not lead the team to finals in their first two years, and the team sits outside the top eight at the halfway mark of their third campaign. "(Coaching an expansion team) sounds like a lot of fun but it can be a journey to nowhere," South Sydney coach Bennett told AAP last month. "It's an extremely tough gig and it's not something I would recommend for anyone to take up." EXPANSION TEAMS THAT PLAYED FINALS IN THEIR FIRST TWO SEASONS:- Brisbane Broncos: 7th (1988), 6th^ (1989) Melbourne Storm: 3rd^ (1998), 3rd^ (1999) EXPANSION TEAMS THAT MISSED FINALS IN THEIR FIRST TWO SEASONS Canberra Raiders: 14th* (1982), 10th (1983) Illawarra Steelers: 13th (1982), 12th (1983) Newcastle Knights: 14th (1988), 7th (1989) Gold Coast/Tweed Heads Giants: 15th (1988), 13th (1989) South Queensland Crushers: 16th (1995), 20th* (1996) Western Reds: 11th (1995), 16th (1996) North Queensland Cowboys: 20th* (1995), 17th (1996) The Warriors: 10th (1995), 11th (1996) Adelaide Rams: 9th (1997, Super League), 17th (1998) Hunter Mariners: 6th (1997, Super League), N/A (1998) Gold Coast Titans: 12th (2007), 13th (2008) The Dolphins: 13th (2023), 10th (2024) ^denotes the team played finals *denotes the team finished last
