For Callan Ward, the age of the unknown is over. After a maiden season of firsts, two victories and too many one-sided wallopings, Greater Western Sydney have entered year two of their AFL existence.
The novelty of the venture is long gone, Ward no longer harbours the same nervous energy or excitement.
It’s now simply about becoming the sort of dominant football side that most pundits expect the Giants to be in a couple of years.
The length of that journey is a moot point given draftees – even exceptionally talented ones – take time to develop and mature.
But with 25 first-round draft picks on their list and AFL concessions aplenty, the odds are stacked in the Giants’ favour.
Ward, a no-nonsense midfielder who is both the Giants’ best player and their more senior co-captain, is not one for long-term forecasting.
But even at present, midway through the monotony of pre-season, Ward can see boys becoming men.
“I think they’ve started to understand what’s required to play AFL,” Ward told AAP.
“It’s been noticeable that the guys have had that year of AFL football.
“You can tell on the track that everyone understands it now – what it takes to play AFL.
“Whereas last year they were just excited to play their first game, or be pulling on a Giants jersey.
“And I think last year we had a good list. This year we have a great list.
“…I know we only won two last year. This year hopefully more.”
In many ways, Ward is the on-field heart and soul of the fledgling club.
He has finals experience but the best years of his career lie ahead.
And yet, the 22-year-old was the clear choice when it came to their inaugural best and fairest award last year.
It was a fine reward for the former Western Bulldog who in 2011 weighed up whether to leave the comforts of Melbourne and join the expansion franchise.
But Ward is not one to dwell on his deeds, especially with the difficult task at hand.
“I learned plenty off the other guys last year and I think I’ve come a long way since I first took over the captaincy,” he said.
“You pick up small things along the way and I think I’m starting to build that into my training and also games.
“I’m just looking to improve and learn every step of the way.”
GWS host Carlton and Sydney on February 24 in round one of the pre-season competition.
Mendip
Guest
Canberra Stadium (was Bruce) World Cup athletics 1986? I think Osborne offered the AFL to contribute to Canberra Stadium because they didnt have a team (unlike the Rugby codes) but they declined Footy Park was closed down in the mid 90s Manuka was an odd mixture of toffs and Catholics
TW
Guest
Brewski, Many thanks for the info- That Manuka ground looks a good one on TV. I think the stands are being expanded for more seating. Jezza will be remembered forever with that huge mark he took in a GF I think. Your comments about the clubs having a mixture of fans from all levels of society is exactly what our game is all about.
Brewski
Guest
The rugby codes in Canberra have Bruce Stadium, ironically that was developed for a Pan Pacific (?) Athletics games, and i have actually seen some AFL games there West Coast V Fitzroy and a International Rules game, and plenty of pre-season Swans games. When the AF hating Canberra Raider Paul Osborne got into power during Canberra's self Government phase, he made it a priority to rectangualise Bruce Stadium as sports minister. Manuka Oval which has tradtionally been home to cricket and football is used for top level AFL games and the Prime Ministers 11, but for a while in between late 1970's and 2000 (?) football Park was developed by the ACTAFL, but has since been redeveloped and sold off. Manuka FC and Eastlake FC now merged were basically on opposite sides of the ground (Manuka)with their own clubhouses etc. For EX: Jezza came from Eastlake and Micky Conlan came from Manuka, amongst quite a few other well known AFL footballers. Both clubs were clubs that had a element of working, middle and upper class fans, although Eastlake was primarily known as a working class club, down at the causeway and train station.
TW
Guest
The membership race between the Giants and the Suns to 10,000 by June 30 has seen the Giants go ahead by 294 as of Today. Giants - 8534 Suns -8240. This is not a surprise as the "potential" of the Sydney club is much much bigger. It just has to be realised. The One Dayer at Manuka Oval today which is sold out will be using the new lighting at the ground. The Giants arrival in Canberra had a hand in that lighting being erected. The Rugby Codes have their own facilities as far as I know but will stand corrected.