With crutches in each hand and an ACL torn just an hour earlier, GWS Giants veteran Callan Ward delivered a raw, rousing message that helped ignite a gutsy comeback win over Richmond on Saturday evening.
The 35-year-old, visibly emotional after the first-quarter injury, returned to the huddle at three-quarter time to speak one last time, offering his teammates a shot of belief and a reminder of what they’re playing for.
MORE: AFL world needs to 'harden up' on Sydney Swans 'rabble' saga
“Every minute, we become reliable with each other”
“I don’t think we need to change anything,” Ward said, in a vision aired on Fox Footy’s On The Couch.
“Where we’ve been inconsistent all year (and last six weeks), is playing your role all the f***ing time. Every minute, we become reliable with each other. We trust each other, and you just play your role. It’s simple, no one needs to go in and do anything extraordinary. Fing play your role, and this will swing (our way), I’m telling you. We’re not far out, let’s go!”
MORE: Collingwood's ridiculous stat from Hawks clash
It was a moment that cut through the pain and heartbreak, just hours after Ward’s footy mortality flashed before his eyes.
“He wears his heart on his sleeve, he has a real crack,” said Collingwood legend Nathan Buckley. “Only an hour earlier, he’s in tears… Then he goes and revs his teammates up, just because he wants to leave them with something positive.”
Ward, who played 60 games at the Bulldogs before becoming an inaugural Giant in 2012, remains one of the most respected voices in the AFL. The Giants face Port Adelaide at Manuka Oval this weekend, eyeing a fourth win from five.