CALLAN Ward will continue his career next year as he enters an 18th season after signing a contract extension with Greater Western Sydney this week.

During the second half of the season, Ward considered various options, including retiring and returning to Victoria, but decided to remain with the Giants and will play until 2025.

The 34-year-old has enjoyed a renaissance thanks to a mid-season change at winger under manager Adam Kingsley, a move that is believed to have had a significant impact on his decision to stay with the Giants for another season.

Ward’s form and leadership on the pitch has attracted interest from the Victorian state government, with North Melbourne among the clubs keen to sign the veteran for next season, but he will remain at the Giants for a 14th year at the club.

Ward said AFL.com.au earlier this year he mentioned that he had considered retiring at the end of the season, but Kingsley’s arrival at the club ahead of the 2023 season has reignited his love of the game.

The re-signing of the highly respected veteran is expected to be a significant boost for the club, with the deal being finalised just days before the qualifying final against arch-rivals Sydney on Saturday afternoon.

Ward has emerged as a key player in the Giants’ quest for their first championship, scoring 11 goals in 10 games since switching to wide receiver midway through the year.

The contract extension means Ward will add to his 313 games next year, 253 of which came with the Giants and 60 with the Bulldogs. He remains the Giants’ all-time record holder for games played.

As revealed AFL.com.au‘S Internal trade Earlier this week, Giants junior Joe Fonti also signed a contract extension through 2027. It follows a deal struck last week with winger Ryan Angwin that runs through 2026.

The Giants also have offers on the table for free agents Harry Perryman and Isaac Cumming, as well as linebacker James Peatling, although all three have drawn significant interest from rivals.