The Giants head into Sunday's clash at Skoda Stadium buoyed by what Ward said was the greatest performance in their short history, having levelled the scores against Geelong near three-quarter time before succumbing by 59 points.
Finishing games off strongly is proving an issue for the young club, although GWS has only to think back to last year's corresponding fixture against the Power for some confidence.
The Giants slammed through six goals to two in the final term that day to record just their second-ever win. The result also signalled the demise of former Port coach Matthew Primus.
Ward is hoping for a repeat performance on Sunday.
"I think that was our best performance to date," he said of the Geelong game.
"We really cracked in, we had over 90 tackles for the whole game which was great to see.
"The last quarter we were disappointing, we dropped away again, so we need to get better at that.
"Geelong are a great side so it gives us plenty of confidence going against Port Adelaide, who are coming off the bye.
"We've got an eight-day break. It's a big chance for us this weekend, it's our Grand Final."
The Giants managed to get under the Cats' skin on Saturday, with Ward admitting a few of his young teammates were on the end of some Geelong sprays as the heavily-favoured side struggled to get into the game.
One man spared the trash talk was GWS forward Jeremy Cameron, who kicked another four goals to take his tally for the season to 31.
Every one of the Giants' midfield brigade takes great heart when they look up and see Cameron on the lead.
"He's a super talent, Jeremy Cameron," Ward said.
"He's probably the most talented person I've ever played with to be honest.
"He's kicked over 30 goals and we're last on the ladder.
"Every week he kicks goals and puts pressure on and tackles, he chases, he talks to his teammates, he does everything right.
"Playing as a midfielder and kicking to him, it gives us plenty of confidence that he can kick a goal."
Ward himself has been playing a different role of late, shifting from the midfield to half-back.
The 23-year-old was able to get free and set up many of the Giants' forward thrusts against Geelong, finishing with 30 touches at 80 per cent efficiency.
"I haven't played half-back since under-18 days at the Western Jets," he said.
"It's been good fun, it's a good change for me and I'm enjoying it.
"Most teams are playing that spare man in defence now, you have to direct everyone on the field, making sure the midfielders have a man at stoppages; it's very important."
James Dampney is a reporter for AFL.com.au. Follow him on Twitter: @AFL_JD
