Callan Ward and Stephen Coniglio embrace after Ward injured his knee against Richmond in round 13, 2025. Picture: Supplied

CALLAN Ward knew as soon as it happened.

Others feared he had ruptured his ACL when he fell to the turf in round 13 last year, but Ward knew. 

"ACL, ACL," were his first words to the medicos who had rushed to his side. 

>> WATCH THE SNIPPET FROM NO HOLDS BARRED BELOW

Ward, 35, was in the last season of his storied 18-season career in 2025, taking one last shot at the premiership glory that had eluded him over 327 games, when his knee collapsed during the first quarter against the Tigers at Giants Stadium. 

The emotional scenes that unfolded after Ward was helped from the field are captured in No Holds Barred, a new eight-part docuseries that tracks the GWS Giants' 2026 season. 

Senior coach Adam Kingsley looks on, stony-faced, as Ward clambers onto the treatment bench and bursts into tears

"Just give him a breather for a second. He's probably just realised his career's finished on that," a voice says amid the commotion on the bench. 

04:09

The heartbreaking moment Cal Ward knew his career was over

New docuseries ‘No Holds Barred’, on the Seven Network, takes you inside the most emotional minutes of GWS’ 2026 campaign. Warning: Explicit language

The heart-rending end to Ward's wonderful playing career is just one of the incredible moments captured in No Holds Barred, which has been produced by the Seven Network and Endemol Shine Australia.

Across eight episodes, you'll be taken into three-quarter time huddles, Kingsley's impassioned half-time addresses to his players, and even into the coach's office during the week as the Giants ride their rollercoaster 2026 campaign. 

>> WATCH THE PREVIEW OF NO HOLDS BARRED BELOW

01:08

Go inside the Giants with 'No Holds Barred'

Watch the preview of No Holds Barred, a new eight-part docuseries featuring unrivalled access inside the GWS Giants’ 2026 campaign. No Holds Barred debuts on Saturday, February 14 on the Seven Network

Giants Executive General Manager, Corporate Affairs, Emma German, said: "The docuseries is compelling, it’s raw and is our way of welcoming new and existing fans into the real inner sanctum. Nowhere was off-limits - with cameras in the head coach office, medical rooms, interchange bench, board room and everywhere in between, this series offers astonishing insight into the unique world of AFL footy.”

The Seven Network Head of AFL and Innovation, Gary O’Keeffe, said: “We’re excited to bring fans unprecedented access into the Giants’ 2025 AFL season as we edge closer to AFL being back on our screens, with No Holds Barred airing on Seven, 7mate and 7plus Sport immediately following the AFL Origin post-game.

“Docuseries style productions are becoming hugely popular within the AFL landscape and No Holds Barred will grant viewers raw, never-before-seen access into the lives of players and staff, taking us along the journey of all the highs and lows of the Giants' past season."

The first episode of No Holds Barred will air on Seven and 7plus from 11pm AEDT on Saturday, February 14, straight after the AAMI AFL Origin game. All eight episodes will be available to stream via 7plus Sport straight after the first episode airs.