GWS Giants midfielder Callan Ward has suffered a significant knee injury early in the match against Richmond, casting doubt on his future as he approaches the end of his career. At 35 and with a one-year contract for the 2025 season, this was anticipated to be Ward’s final year in the AFL.
The injury occurred when Ward tackled Richmond’s Hugo Ralphsmith, resulting in him hitting the ground and remaining motionless while clutching his right knee. He had to be assisted off the field by the Giants’ medical team, visibly struggling to bear weight on the injured leg. Ward previously experienced a torn ACL in his left knee in 2019, and the ominous signs following this latest incident suggest a similar fate.
Commentator Cameron Mooney described the scene as highly emotional, noting that Ward appeared to understand the severity of his injury. He indicated that Ward’s family had relocated back to Melbourne, reinforcing the possibility that this season would mark the end of his illustrious career.
Ward began his AFL journey at the Western Bulldogs, featuring in 60 games before joining the Giants during their inaugural season in 2012. He became the club’s first co-captain alongside Phil Davis, leading the team in this capacity until 2019.
As the match unfolded, Tom Greene scored the first goal, but Richmond quickly seized momentum, scoring five consecutive goals. The Giants and their supporters now await further updates regarding Ward’s condition, hoping for a more optimistic prognosis than his previous injury.
This setback adds to the team’s challenges as they navigate the remainder of the season without one of their key figures.