GIANTS legend Callan Ward’s incredible career will continue for an 18th AFL season after signing a new one-year deal with the club.
Joining the GIANTS as an inaugural co-captain for the club’s debut season back in 2012 following 60 games with the Western Bulldogs, Ward’s new deal will see the 34-year-old don the orange and charcoal for a fourteenth season in 2025.
The GIANTS’ first club champion, first goal kicker and games record-holder, Ward holds an unrivalled legacy at the GIANTS as one of the most influential figures in the club’s history. He passed the 300-game milestone in 2024 and reached 250 games for the club.
Captaining the club from 2012-19, Ward’s skill, leadership and courage have been instrumental in the growth of the GIANTS since their inception.
Still an integral leader at the club, the hard-nosed midfielder’s new one-year deal comes following an impressive 2024 campaign to date.
Traditionally one of the competition’s most fierce and courageous inside midfielders, the evergreen veteran has thrived in a new role on the wing in Adam Kingsley’s side this season, averaging 18.2 touches per game while kicking multiple goals on four separate occasions.
GIANTS Executive General Manager of Football, Jason McCartney, said Ward’s new deal is a testament to his sustained high level of performance.
“Cal is a heart and soul player of our club and we’re thrilled to see him extend his incredible legacy into next year,” McCartney said.
“His contribution to the club has been profound and he really embodies everything we stand for. His passion, his toughness and his commitment to the club and his teammates is at the highest level and we can’t wait to see him continue his journey for another season.
“Cal’s longevity in the game is to be admired and his re-signing is a testament to the high level of footy that he’s still producing and we’re confident he still has a big role to play at the GIANTS.”
Ward’s new deal comes as the club embarks on yet another finals campaign this weekend, their seventh in the past nine seasons.
Ward and his teammates will continue their quest for the club’s maiden AFL premiership on Saturday when the GIANTS take on the Swans in a blockbuster all-Sydney Qualifying Final at the SCG.
