Callan Ward will continue to add to his incredible legacy this weekend when the club’s inaugural co-captain becomes the first player to play 250 games for the GIANTS in their huge clash with the Hawks.
One of the most influential figures in the club’s history, we’ve taken a look at his time as a GIANT and listed his 10 best performances as a GIANT as he prepares for game number 250 in orange and charcoal on Sunday.
10. Round 1, 2014 v Swans
A match-winning display against the arch-rivals comes in at number 10 on the list, with Ward registering 31 touches, a goal, 11 clearances, five tackles and five inside-50s to win the Brett Kirk Medal for best-on-ground in the 32-point win over the Swans in Derby V.
Ward received the 10 coaches votes in the win but remarkably didn’t poll a Brownlow vote for the performance, With Shane Mumford (3), Stephen Coniglio (2), and Adam Treloar (1) picking up the votes.
9. Round 18, 2017 v Tigers
A starring display in a 19-point loss to eventual Premiers Richmond in round 18 of 2017 comes in at number nine, with Ward registering a game- high 37 touches to go along with nine clearances and a goal in a brilliant game from the then-skipper.
8. Round 12, 2018 v Suns
A monster outing in a 108-point smashing of the Gold Coast Suns at ENGIE Stadium back in 2018 comes in at number eight, with Ward finishing with 34 touches, two goals, 10 clearances, six inside-50s and five tackles in a brilliant all-round performance.
7. Round 17, 2017 v Swans
A huge outing in a tough 13-point loss to the Swans in 2017 comes in at number seven, with Ward finishing with 32 touches and a career-high 15 clearances and 18 contested possessions.
Ward was awarded eight coaches votes but was given no Brownlow votes for the performance.
6. Round 15, 2018 v Hawks
Ward shone against the Hawks back in round 15, 2018 at ENGIE Stadium, with the tough midfielder finishing with 32 disposals, two goals, 11 clearances, six tackles and six inside-50s in a thrilling 11-point win.
Ward’s performance received the three Brownlow votes and 10 coaches votes.
5. Round 10, 2015 v Lions
Ward was brilliant in a 30-point win over the Lions in round 10, 2017, finishing with 32 touches, 12 tackles, 10 clearances and a goal in a best-on-ground showing at ENGIE Stadium.
He received 10 coaches votes and three Brownlow votes.
4. Round 4, 2021 v Magpies
The impact of Covid couldn’t stop the former skipper from a huge performance at the MCG against the ‘Pies in 2021, with Ward registering 37 touches, seven clearances and six marks in a 30-point win.
The brilliant performance garnered Ward nine coaches votes and three Brownlow votes.
3. Round 17, 2016 v Lions
A huge 79-point win over the Lions at the Gabba in 2016 saw Ward finish with 31 touches, three goals, nine clearances, nine inside-50s and 20 contested possessions.
The monster performance saw Ward awarded nine coaches votes but received just two Brownlow votes, with teammate Josh Kelly awarded the three for his 26 touches and three goals.
2. Round 7, 2014 v Power
The GIANTS were unable to get over the Power at Manuka Oval back in 2014, but it was no fault of Ward who collected a career-high 40 touches in the clash.
Adding 10 clearances, eight tackles and 11 marks, Ward received two Brownlow votes for his special performance in the 35-point loss.
1. Round 19, 2013 v Demons
Coming in at number one across his 249 games as a GIANT to date is Ward’s match-winning performance against the Demons at ENGIE Stadium back in 2013.
Winners by 37 points – the only victory for the club that season - Ward finished with a monster stat line of 31 touches, six clearances, seven tackles and a career-high four goals in a brilliant best-on-ground display.
The huge performance garnered Ward all 10 coaches votes and three Brownlow votes.
