One of the most influential figures in the club’s history, Ward sits in rare air at the GIANTS following a remarkable career to date in orange and charcoal. Hailing from Melbourne, Ward began his AFL career at the Western Bulldogs where he played 60 games before joining the GIANTS for their debut season in 2012 where he was soon named an inaugural co-captain alongside Phil Davis. Ward would go on to captain the GIANTS alongside Davis from 2012-2019 and still remains an integral leader of the club. A hard-running, courageous and tough inside midfielder, Ward also sits in the club’s record books as the GIANTS’ first-ever goal kicker, the club’s first club champion, and the club’s all-time games record holder. One of the club’s most consistent players since its inception, Ward’s leadership and courage have been key pillars in the growth of the club. In 2018 Ward was voted the AFL’s Most Courageous Player by his peers. After another strong season in 2024 playing in a new role on the wing, the 34-year-old signed a new one-year deal to enter his 18th AFL season in 2025 and his 14th with the GIANTS. Ward set more history in 2024 as he became the first player to play 250 games for the GIANTS on his way to his 300th AFL game which he achieved in round nine against the Bombers. Ward has football in his blood, with his grandfather, Bill Gunn, playing for South Melbourne from 1952 to 1959 and captaining the side in 1955.
