Callan Ward showed no signs of rust in a dominant return to footy as the evergreen veteran helped the Orange Tsunami surge past Sandringham by 46 points in an exciting VFL hit-out at Manuka Oval on Saturday morning.

A curtain-raiser to the GIANTS’ AFL clash with the Saints, the VFL side set the tone for the club early in the day after shaking off a plucky Zebras outfit to run away with a comfortable 19.11 (125) to 12.7 (79) win in perfect conditions in the nation’s capital.

Holding a slim one-point lead at the first break following an exciting opening term, the GIANTS left the visitors in their wake with a blistering seven goal to two second term helping set up the big win.

With Ward and Harry Rowston dominating in the middle, Josh Fahey running rampant across half back, and emerging forward Max Gruzewski bagging four first-half majors, the GIANTS held a commanding 29-point half-time lead following the second-term barrage and were never troubled from there to register their first win of the season.

Playing in his first match in 35 days after recovering from a shoulder injury suffered in the GIANTS’ Opening Round win over Collingwood, Ward took no time in getting back into the thick of things at a crisp Manuka Oval with a superb return to footy from the get-go.

Setting the tone early with the first two centre clearances of the game, the former captain of the club’s AFL side and 2012 club champion finished the first half with 14 touches and five clearances to lead the way for a GIANTS side consisting of 16 AFL-listed players

The 34-year-old midfielder showed there’s still plenty of zip left in his legs in the Canberra clash, showcasing several trademarks sidesteps as he breezed past numerous Zebra opponents with ease in a standout return performance.

The inspirational midfielder continued his dominance in the second half on his way to a match-high 33 disposals and 12 clearances to put himself firmly in contention for the club’s AFL clash with the Blues at Marvel Stadium next Saturday.

With Ward leading the way with strong support from Rowston (30 touches, five clearances) and Fahey (29 touches), the GIANTS were far too slick for the Zebras on Saturday, particularly after quarter time, with their smothering pressure catapulting countless attacking forays often finished off by GIANTS forwards.

While unable to add to his first-half tally of four majors, Gruzewski was the standout forward on the ground as the 19-year-old continues to push his claims for a senior debut.

Darcy Jones (22 touches, two goals) and Conor Stone (18 touches, three goals) were both also electric as the zippy pair caused headaches for Zebra defenders all day to create countless scoring opportunities.

First-round draftee Phoenix Gothard (11 touches, two goals) also had his moments in his first official game of the season after overcoming glandular fever, while Ryan Angwin (21 touches) was strong throughout the day, with his defensive running a highlight.

Ethan Williams (23 touches) was one of the strongest VFL-listed performers for the GIANTS.

The GIANTS will now look for back-to-back wins when they face Werribee at Avalon Airport next Saturday afternoon.