Greater Western Sydney great Callan Ward has only just closed the chapter on his playing days, yet rival clubs are lining up to secure him for 2026.
Both North Melbourne and Hawthorn have sounded out the 35-year-old about stepping into development or leadership coaching roles as he returns to Melbourne with his family.
Ward’s 18th and final AFL season ended in May with a torn ACL, before the Giants’ campaign was halted by Hawthorn in Saturday’s elimination final. He announced his retirement in August after 327 appearances across the Giants and Western Bulldogs, drawing widespread respect as one of the game’s most admired leaders.
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Kangaroos and Hawks circling
North Melbourne are long-term admirers, having tried to lure Ward to Arden Street as a player last year. Coach Alastair Clarkson is now reshaping his football department and has vacancies following the departures of midfield coach Leigh Adams and development coach Emma Kearney.
Hawthorn, meanwhile, have also approached Ward as Sam Mitchell looks to strengthen his panel before the Hawks’ move to the Kennedy Community Centre in Dingley. The Hawks had earlier targeted Geelong’s Mitch Duncan, only for the veteran to commit to West Coast.
While Ward is also weighing up a career outside football, he is considering joining the fire service, a process that takes up to eight months. Clubs see his value as too significant to ignore. With the AFL’s soft cap rising by $750,000 in 2026, both the Kangaroos and Hawks are well placed to add his experience to their ranks.