When one thinks of the AFL’s greatest current day captains, most people would pull out names such as Luke Hodge, Nick Riewoldt and Robert Murphy.
But there is one captain who is lifting his side closer and closer to a premiership, his name is Callan Ward.
The Giants co-captain is arguably playing the best football of his already impressive career.
As a player Ward is averaging 25 disposals per match in 2016, and lists inside the top ten in key categories such as clearances, contested possessions and boasts an elite disposals efficiency of 73 per cent, a remarkably high rate considering the crash and bash style of football he plays.
Ward thrives on the contest and makes the younger players walk beside him.
As a leader, Ward shows similar traits to Hawthorn legend Luke Hodge. Not only is he demanding, ruthless and highly respected by the AFL world, he sets the example for work rate, consistency and performance on a weekly basis.
The Giants are glittered with first round draft selections and are the envy of most clubs in terms of their natural talent and age.
But the importance of players such as Ward cannot be understated or undervalued.
After controversially crossing from the Bulldogs after winning a Best and Fairest, Ward was questioned for his lack of loyalty and his chase for a pay increase.
Ward has proven the doubters wrong and arguably become the most important player in the GWS set up.
GWS’ rise up the AFL ranks is a testament to the club’s leaders.
Ward, combined with his co-captain Phil Davis have guided these players through a tumultuous 2012-2015, but are now reaping the rewards of an extensive developmental phase.
Through a tough initiation into AFL football in which the club won only 20 of their first 88 games, the Giants are now ready for finals football.
Many people have suggested that the AFL are handing the Giants a premiership, however it needs to be taken into consideration the outstanding work the mature recruits have done in helping mold the younger kids into stars.
Ward has overseen the development of such youngsters as Dylan Shiel, Stephen Coniglio, Toby Greene, Lachie Whitfield and Josh Kelly, providing them with the proper protection and maintaining a high level of performance.
The Giants leadership team needs to be applauded for their outstanding contribution since the club’s inception in 2012.
Ward’s level of consistency both as a leader and a player have been a major factor in the rise of the GWS Giants. For GWS to achieve history in 2016 and beyond, the 26 year old must stay at this level of high performance.
It is no surprise that Ward receives plenty of Brownlow votes each season; such is his impact outside the four walls of his club. In a side that has never made a final, Ward has gained 43 votes in his four years at the club.
Still only 157 games to his name, Ward is going to be at the club long term, and with his experience and determination to succeed, the Giants will be well set up for a major tilt at the flag in the next five to seven years.
As Hodge, Riewoldt and Murphy’s careers begin to wind down, it seems Ward is stepping into the mantle as the best leader in the AFL.
Who’s in your ultimate team? Pick the best team and compete with other fans for daily prizes on Draftstars. For the best odds on the game try out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Think. Is this a bet you really want to place? Set a deposit limit.
Last, year in the second showdown, Adelaide destroyed Port by 47 points with a staggering 20 marks inside 50 with Tex Walker the main star.
There’s no disputing that Cam Guthrie will be important against Melbourne, given Patrick Dangerfield is set to miss due to injury.
Collingwood led by a point with minutes to go, Kyle Langford had the chance to be the hero with a set shot, however, he missed, and we saw the first draw of the season.
We’re taking a look at one player from each team that needs to make a difference this week, starting with the ANZAC Day games.
GWS captain Toby Greene has been suspended for the eighth time in his career after failing in his bid to clear himself of a…
Damien Hardwick has predicted Toby Greene's one-match suspension will be upheld by the AFL tribunal, but the triple-premiership coach says he wouldn't ban the…
