CALLAN Ward demonstrated just why he is the co-captain of the AFL's youngest side after an outstanding performance in Greater Western Sydney's drought-breaking victory over Melbourne on Saturday.
Recruited from the Western Bulldogs with a reputation for being a tough, talented midfielder, Ward was still a shy 21-year-old when he made the move to western Sydney.
But he has blossomed in a leadership role, initially alongside Phil Davis and Luke Power in the club's first season and now just with the former following Power's retirement.
On Saturday, his stat line read 31 possessions, 14 of them contested, seven inside 50s, six clearances and a career-best four goals as the Giants won by 37 points.
Riding a 21-game losing streak dating back to round 19 last year, Ward conceded afterwards there was a sense the club had to win Saturday's match-up with fellow strugglers Melbourne.
"There was. We tried to lay low a little bit and didn't really want to talk it up to much, which has been a mistake in the past," he said.
"But this week was a big one that we had to win and it was great to get it.
"Ever since the Swans game I feel like we've turned our form around.
"The last few weeks have been good and it was great to get the reward today."
A 129-point thrashing at the hands of the premiers was the lowest ebb for the Giants, but they bounced back with competitive defeats to Essendon and Collingwood before Saturday's breakthrough victory.
Devon Smith, who kicked three last-quarter goals to help drag the Giants over the line, paid tribute to Ward, stating "some of his acts were just inspirational".
The Giants then belted out the team song for just the third time and afterwards coach Kevin Sheedy said he never worried about becoming the first side since Fitzroy in 1964 to go through a season without a victory.
"I never thought we'd have a winless season," he said. "But you just have to believe that in your heart.
"And it won't be our only win this season."
GWS closes out its second year with matches against Fremantle, the Brisbane Lions, Richmond and Gold Coast.
Regardless of how the Giants end the season, Ward was overjoyed to get the monkey off their backs.
"It gets really hard trying to stay positive after getting beaten on the weekends," he said.
"But to back up the last few weeks like we have and to play really good footy, especially today, is great.
"It's hard to explain actually. It was a bit like our first win last year against Gold Coast.
"It shows maturity from our young players that we didn't just stop in the last quarter.
"It's an intense feeling."
James Dampney is a reporter for AFL Media. Follow him on Twitter @AFL_JD
