THERE'S probably nobody more qualified to talk about the transformation of Greater Western Sydney co-captain Callan Ward than Giants coach Leon Cameron.
Ahead of his 200th game against West Coast at Spotless Stadium on Saturday afternoon, you'd hardly recognise Ward from the youngster who was selected by the Western Bulldogs with pick 19 at the 2007 NAB AFL draft.
Cameron is the Giants' boss in 2018, but back then he had plenty to do with Ward as part of his role as the Dogs' midfield coach.
TOP DOG'S PROPHECY Club great knew Ward would get to 200
Just 17 when his AFL career began, Ward was forced to juggle his year 12 studies with his debut season in 2008, and Cameron played a key role in his future co-skipper's entry into the big time.
"I vividly remember that when he first got to the footy club he had to train after hours, because he had to attend school during the day," Cameron told the AFL Record.
"He would rock in about 3.30pm when everybody else was leaving, and myself and the other coaches would have to train him as best we could from then until about 6.
"We were always mindful that completing his schooling was the most important thing."
Ward made his debut for the Dogs in round 11 of 2008. Picture: AFL Photos
Cameron and Ward went their separate ways when the coach crossed to Hawthorn to continue his senior apprenticeship under Alastair Clarkson, but they reunited when the former Dogs and Richmond star arrived in Sydney to be the heir apparent to Kevin Sheedy.
Ward's defection from the Dogs two seasons earlier to become an inaugural GWS signing devastated the club at the time; so highly regarded was the tough midfielder that he was seen as a future captain.
History will show that he was, it just wasn't at the Kennel.
Ward was named a co-captain at the Giants alongside Phil Davis and veteran Luke Power for the 2012 season at just 21.
"Captains are picked on actions and their ability to provide direction and voice, and the ones that do it best are standout captains," Cameron said.
"In terms of pure actions, if you're judging it, he's the ultimate captain.
"People might have thought it was too early (to be appointed) but it's probably been the greatest thing for both he and Phil.
"They've had to find their way through tough situations over those first few years.
"Both of them have rubbed off on each other, and now they're becoming complete leaders in their own way."
*Catch the full version of this story in the AFL Record, on sale at Spotless Stadium on Saturday.
