GREATER Western Sydney veteran Callan Ward will undergo a knee reconstruction after confirmation that he suffered a torn ACL early in the Giants’ thrilling comeback win over Richmond on Saturday.
Ward will have the operation later this month once swelling around the joint subsides.
While it is widely expected that the injury will end the 35-year-old’s outstanding playing career, the Giants said in a statement that Ward had not many a decision on his future.
Ward was contesting a mark on the outer wing with opponent Hugo Ralphsmith, before the ball went to ground. His right leg pivoted as he tried to tackle Ralphsmith and he collapsed in agony.
There were emotional scenes as the 35-year-old was helped from the field by trainers, while the home fans warmly applauded one of their favourite players.
Ward was visibly upset as he underwent assessment on the sidelines with teammate Lachie Whitfield seen hugging and kissing him on the forehead before he was helped to the rooms.
All the immediate signs, including the TV commentary, was that Ward had done an ACL, with coach Adam Kingsley confirming after the game that the club suspected the worst.
“It doesn’t look great. Obviously incredibly disappointing for our footy club … such an important person, important player,” Kingsley said.
“He’s a fantastic clubman, he sees the game really well and there’s no doubt that he’ll add value in whatever he does. It just won’t be on the field, unfortunately.”
The veteran midfielder was one of the Giants’ first co-captains when they entered the League in 2012 and has played 326 games – 60 for the Western Bulldogs and 266 for the Giants.
An ACL tear in his left knee ruined Ward’s 2019 season, meaning he missed their only Grand Final so far, which they lost to the Tigers.
