Inspirational GWS veteran Callan Ward has opted to retire from the AFL, effective immediately.
The 35-year-old has played 327 AFL games, including a record 267 for the Giants, the club he joined from the Western Bulldogs ahead of its inaugural season back in 2011.
One of the Giants' co-captains for their AFL debut, alongside Luke Power and Phil Davis, Ward won GWS' first best and fairest award in 2012 and led the club for eight seasons before stepping down in 2019.
His final appearance in charcoal and orange came against Richmond in round 12, when he sadly tore an anterior cruciate ligament, ruling him out for the rest of the season.
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True to character, Ward is credited with an inspirational speech at three quarter-time that led to a comeback win over the Tigers, after GWS trailed by 28 points at the last change.
Giants chief executive Dave Matthews gave Ward the ultimate compliment when the midfielder confirmed his retirement on Monday.
“Callan Ward has been the heart and soul of this football club since day one," Matthews said.
"It was a courageous decision to join the Giants, to join a start-up and confront the many challenges of building an AFL Club from scratch.
"He didn’t just help build the Giants — he helped define who we are.
“From the moment he arrived, Callan brought leadership, toughness and professionalism that shaped our culture and set the standard for every player who’s walked through our doors."
Ward was a highly-rated youngster when the Dogs took him with the 19th pick in the 2007 draft, making 60 appearances for the club before opting to move to Sydney.
While Matthews conceded Ward's injury was a "heartbreaking" end to his career, his conduct immediately after the shattering news underscored his approach to the game and the Sydney club.
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“It is hard to overstate the impact Callan has had — not just on the field, but off it," Matthews added.
"He has been a role model, a mentor and a cornerstone of our club’s identity for 14 seasons.
“To see his career end the way it did is heartbreaking, but it’s also fitting that even in that moment, his focus was on lifting his teammates. That is who Callan Ward is.
“Callan Ward retires as a Giants legend, an AFL great and someone who leaves an enduring legacy for decades to come.
"We also extend our very best wishes to (Ward's family) Ruby, Romeo, Ralfie and Rex as they embark on their next chapter as a family.
"You’ll always be a part of the Giants family and we wish you nothing but success and happiness in the future."