Home is exactly where Callan Ward's heart lies

[BulldogBelle]

Glenn McFarlane
From: Herald Sun
June 17, 2011 12:00AM

A LIFELONG affinity with Melbourne's western suburbs and a close family connection are likely to ensure Callan Ward rejects Greater Western Sydney and commits to a long-term future with the Western Bulldogs.

Despite his manager Paul Connors suggesting last week the 21-year-old might have to sacrifice up to $2 million to remain loyal to his club, Ward confirmed this week he wanted to secure a deal with the Bulldogs.

"I've loved the club ever since I started here," Ward said. "I was born in the western suburbs and I want to stay here.

"I see no reason to move. I just want to work out a deal with the Dogs and hopefully move on."

Ward said ideally he would have a new deal sorted out "sooner rather than later", but was not concerned about talk regarding his future.

"I try not to think about it too much, but it is hard to take it off my mind completely," he said. "I get a lot of texts and questions from my friends. They are all supportive. They know I am just concentrating on my football at the moment.

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/home-is-exactly-where-callan-wards-heart-lies/story-e6frf9jf-1226076768377

[Desipura]

Nice story indeed, can't see him moving after reading this article

[LostDoggy]

A very positive article on this young man! Remember Murph's words to you Cal - "Sheedy = DEVIL":o

[comrade]

There were no positive stories like this one about Harbrow last year. Cal is staying.

[OLD SCRAGGer]

Cal Ward, you are a STAR.:)

[LostDoggy]

Western General should name a section of the building after him.

[Daughter of the West]

Western General should name a section of the building after him.

And then a street. And maybe a new western suburbs housing development. Please, please, please, please let it happen!

[Doc26]

Out of the gloom presents Granty Mark 2, a real feel good read. Good on you Cal.
Now get that ink to paper.

[Ghost Dog]

something to smile about for dogs fans in 2011? yay!

[Murphy'sLore]

Still crossing fingers and toes until the deal's done.

[LostDoggy]

Congratulations also to Callan on his 50 games tonight! Let's hope we have a big win to celebrate both Bob & Cal's milestone games.....

[immortalmike]

Western General should name a section of the building after him.

What? You want them to name it "The Callan Ward" or "The Ward Ward"?

Seriously though, I am now more worried about Easton Wood.

[LostDoggy]

You want them to name it "The Callan Ward"
Seriously though, I am now more worried about Easton Wood.

Yep ;)

Me too :(

[Remi Moses]

Very encouraged by this story. Some people don't live and breath the almighty dollar,family ties are very important. Ahh the Yarraville club! True Westie :p

[LostDoggy]

Yep ;)

Me too :(

If it's a choice between Ward and Wood, well I really like Wood, but Ward'll be my pick.

[LostDoggy]

Very encouraged by this story. Some people don't live and breath the almighty dollar,family ties are very important. Ahh the Yarraville club! True Westie :p

The whole article makes Paul Connors look like a total tossbag. Oh wait, he is a total tossbag. Carry on then…

[AndrewP6]

What? You want them to name it "The Callan Ward" or "The Ward Ward"?


SNAP! I thought of nenaming a political boundary after him, and calling it this...

[LostDoggy]

If it's a choice between Ward and Wood, well I really like Wood, but Ward'll be my pick.

This comes to the very crux of it. If keeping Callan means affecting our ability to keep Roughy, Wood, Dal, Jones etc etc then thanks for the memories Wardy. Need 18 players out there at a time that can potentially do the job.

[azabob]

The whole article makes Paul Connors look like a total tossbag. Oh wait, he is a total tossbag. Carry on then…

Connors actually said he hoped Ward re-signed a new contract with the dogs, so not sure why you think it makes Connors look like a toss bag.

[1eyedog]

This comes to the very crux of it. If keeping Callan means affecting our ability to keep Roughy, Wood, Dal, Jones etc etc then thanks for the memories Wardy. Need 18 players out there at a time that can potentially do the job.

I think it's more like our inability to retain Hargrave, Gilbee and Cross personally.

[Desipura]

I think it's more like our inability to retain Hargrave, Gilbee and Cross personally.

If thats the case, thats not a huge issue as none of the above are going to get any better,

[Sockeye Salmon]

I think it's more like our inability to retain Hargrave, Gilbee and Cross personally.

Gilbee is contracted for 2012

[Desipura]

Gilbee is contracted for 2012
Which does not mean much unless he is on a huge salary

[Sockeye Salmon]

Which does not mean much unless he is on a huge salary

What I meant is that we get no salary cap relief by cutting him at the end of the year.

[ledge]

What I meant is that we get no salary cap relief by cutting him at the end of the year.

Unless traded. is that right?(not that it will happen)

[The Coon Dog]

What I meant is that we get no salary cap relief by cutting him at the end of the year.

How will the club factor matters next year when we have Gia & Murph also eligible for the Veteran's List (currently Gilbee & Shaggy are on it)?

2011 Veterans List (http://www.woof.net.au/forum/showthread.php?t=8344) & Veterans List Rules (http://www.woof.net.au/forum/showthread.php?t=5880)

[Sockeye Salmon]

How will the club factor matters next year when we have Gia & Murph also eligible for the Veteran's List (currently Gilbee & Shaggy are on it)?

2011 Veterans List (http://www.woof.net.au/forum/showthread.php?t=8344) & Veterans List Rules (http://www.woof.net.au/forum/showthread.php?t=5880)

More importantly, what about Lake? He,s the one on big cash.

[The Coon Dog]

More importantly, what about Lake? He,s the one on big cash.

Actually, looking at his Birthdate (Feb 82) & year of draft (2001), he appears to also qualify next year (funny, I always thought he was a further year back, dunno why).

[Go_Dogs]

Actually, looking at his Birthdate (Feb 82) & year of draft (2001), he appears to also qualify next year (funny, I always thought he was a further year back, dunno why).

Getting Lake on the Vet's List next year is a must. Going to be interesting to see how it all unfolds.

[Sockeye Salmon]

Getting Lake on the Vet's List next year is a must. Going to be interesting to see how it all unfolds.

We can only do that by dumping Hargrave (or sharing the salaries 3 ways which kinda defeats the purpose).

[Go_Dogs]

We can only do that by dumping Hargrave (or sharing the salaries 3 ways which kinda defeats the purpose).

So Hargrave and Gilbee are both contracted for 2012? If so, agreed it does. I wonder if Lake's contract is back-ended so perhaps we'd see more benefit moving him onto the vet's list the year after.