Not many people know Callan Ward better than Phil Davis: being thrust into the spotlight as co-captains of a brand-new AFL club as a pair of 21-year-olds bonds two people together pretty quickly.  

After retiring last year following his own esteemed 192-game AFL career, Davis now watches on with admiration as his former co-captain for an AFL-record eight seasons prepares to celebrate his 300^th AFL game against the Bombers on Saturday.

“He’s given so much to the footy club and it’s great for him to get recognised,” Davis said ahead of his great mate’s milestone match.

“There’s two elements to it,” he added.

“The first element is there’s joy in seeing such a great guy reach such a significant milestone - he’s the definition of an amazing teammate.

“The second element is that for me there was always a great sense of inevitability that it [playing 300 games] was going to happen because he’s an incredibly hard-working player who puts a lot of time into his game and he’s someone who has a great amount of talent.

“Of course, you need a little bit of luck to get there too ... but I always felt like this was in his destiny ever since we started playing with each other 13 years ago.”

‘A REAL FABRIC KIND OF GUY’

Davis says Ward is filled with qualities that have led him to success.

“Firstly, as a teammate and a clubman, he’s incredibly selfless and so giving and cares so much about all those around him,” he said.

“Also, footy clubs can sometimes be a pretty suffocating environment, but he always brings a sense of fun to the footy club and always finds a way to make it a great place to be.

“Then as a player - equally selfless, determined and competitive. He’s a real fabric kind of guy both on and off the field.”

‘I QUICKLY REALISED HE WAS A VERY GOOD A-GRADE PLAYER’

Having played just a handful of games against one another prior to joining the GIANTS, Davis recollects the tough midfielder was quick to impress and set the example as a leader of the club.

“I always knew he was a good player but there’s no doubt after spending three months of pre-season together I quickly realised he was a very good A-grade player and I got front row seats to it for a long time,” he said.

“We were both relatively reluctant young leaders - him more so than me - but he was a natural fit. With any young leader you want to see a role model who is highly respected, and he ticked both of those boxes.

“He just got more and more comfortable [in the role], and he was able to lead with his actions and drag people with him and before long he was very much seen as the culture of the football club.

“When I reflect, I feel so fortunate I was able to captain the club with Cal - he made me a better captain.”

‘HE JUST PLAYS THE RIGHT WAY AND THE WAY EVERYONE WISHES THEY COULD PLAY’ 

Known for his unwavering attack on the footy, highlighted by his peer-voted Robert Rose Award in 2018 as the AFLPA’s Most Courageous Player, Ward’s toughness is held in the highest regard by Davis.

“It’s hard to think of someone I’ve played with or against that I’d ever say is tougher than Cal,” he said.

“He just plays the right way and the way everyone wishes they could play, and the way everyone wishes their son would play.

“With his durability and his ability to get up from big hits and find a way - I haven’t seen someone at a higher level than him. For me I’ve never seen someone tougher than Cal and it was always a privilege to play with him.”

‘HIS LEGACY WILL STAND ON ITS OWN AND HE’LL FOREVER BE A GIANT OF GIANTS’

The GIANTS’ first co-captain, goal kicker, club champion, and games record-holder just to name a few in his long list of achievements, Ward’s standing at the club will sit unmatched when it’s all said and done says Davis. 

“It will be enormous,” Davis said of Ward’ legacy.

“It’s hard to think of a more influential figure than him, especially from a playing point of view.

“For me, there’ll definitely be a fair few things named after him and he’ll hold a tonne of records.

“From what he did from the start and all the way through, and leading the team for such a long time, and being incredibly selfless and building up people around him – his legacy will stand on its own and he’ll forever be a GIANT of GIANTS.”

Coincidentally up against the side he grew up passionately supporting as a kid, Ward will play his 300^th game against the Bombers on Saturday under the roof of Marvel Stadium at 4:35pm.