A Giant legacy: GWS veteran confirms retirement after latest injury

Callan Ward confirms he will not play on next season

Callan Ward with his wife Ruby Keddie and their children Ralfie, Romeo and Rex after announcing his retirement to Greater Western Sydney players and staff at Giants HQ on August 4, 2025. Picture: Brett Costello

GREATER Western Sydney veteran Callan Ward has announced his retirement from the AFL after 327 games, following the ACL injury suffered in round 12.

When the 35-year-old's knee buckled against Richmond at Engie Stadium, it seemed inevitable that it would be Ward's final act on an AFL ground, and he confirmed on Monday he will not play on next year.

WHO'S CALLED IT QUITS 2025's retirements and delistings

He has taken two months to assess the situation and have surgery, but he admits playing on next year was never a strong consideration.

"At the time I knew I wanted to retire, straight away. I did think about it, but I did know at the time. This was my extra year that we (his family) agreed upon and it was hard to come back from this," he said.

"I knew I'd done my ACL in the moment and in my head, I was counting down the weeks to the Grand Final thinking 'can I get back' and I knew I couldn't."

Callan Ward with his children Romeo and Ralfie after announcing his retirement to Greater Western Sydney players and staff at Giants HQ on August 4, 2025. Picture: Brett Costello

The tough midfielder's departure does not come with the fairytale ending of a premiership, which was the reason why he extended his illustrious career into an 18th season, despite his young family moving back to reside in Melbourne this year.

But he goes out as a legend of the Giants and an integral contributor to the club's culture that saw it play finals football just five years after its AFL debut.

Callan Ward poses for a photo during GWS's photo day on February 11, 2025. Picture: AFL Photos

"It wasn't meant to be for me and that's fine. I've got no regrets. I can't regret doing my knee, I wish I could," he said.

"I feel like I've done everything I can to try and get that premiership and that's always been my dream, but it hasn’t happened.

"At the same time, I want nothing more than for us to play in a premiership and if we play a bit better than we did last weekend hopefully we can challenge this year.

"I won't get there now obviously but I'd love nothing more than for this group to get there."

His departure has taken an emotional toll on the playing group, as demonstrated by the now famous kiss from Lachie Whitfield as Ward lay helpless on the physio table moments after injuring his knee.

Learn More 01:30

That came to the fore as he spoke to his teammates today.

"It was pretty emotional from my end. There were a few boys crying which was nice. It's been a long time so I'm very proud at the moment," Ward said.

Ward goes out as the Giants' games record holder (267) and inaugural club champion after captaining the club for its first eight seasons.

"I'm so glad I made the leap at the time, I didn't want to do it to be honest," Ward said.

"One of the main reasons I did was I wanted to grow up and start fresh and challenge myself and I think I did that. Especially those first eight years when I was co-captain and had to jump out of my comfort zone.

"Everything the club says about me is so humbling. I don't view myself in that light at all. I've had the time of my life, the last 14 years. The journey that we've been on and how much I've learnt about myself is amazing.

"I'm so grateful for the people at this footy club."

While he won't depart with a flag, Ward is comforted with the legacy he leaves in Western Sydney which he says has been to assist the growth of the game in the area on the whole.

"I think a lot of the older players would see it that way. We know how hard it was especially in the early days," he said.

"Kids that were six back then are now 20 and they love AFL footy. We've got these people interested in AFL footy and the Giants in particular."

Ward will continue as both a mentor for the players this year and a sounding board for the coaching staff on the bench on game days, but he says he still wants to pursue his post-footy dream of becoming a firefighter.

Callan Ward with his wife Ruby Keddie and their children Ralfie, Romeo and Rex after announcing his retirement to Greater Western Sydney players and staff at Giants HQ on August 4, 2025. Picture: Brett Costello

He'll ultimately move back to Melbourne with his wife and three young children where he started out his career.

Before his move to western Sydney, he spent four years at the Western Bulldogs, who selected him with pick No.19 in the 2007 AFL Draft, where he quickly emerged as one of the toughest on-ballers in the game and best young prospects in the AFL.

Callan Ward in action during the Western Bulldogs' clash with West Coast in round 19, 2011. Picture: AFL Photos

An ACL tear in his left knee ruined Ward's 2019 season, meaning he missed the Giants' only Grand Final appearance, which they lost to the Tigers.

Click here to read article