Greater Western Sydney co-captain Callan Ward claimed the AFL club’s inaugural best and fairest award on Thursday night.
Ward, who a year ago confirmed his move to GWS from the Western Bulldogs, was presented with the Kevin Sheedy medal by the man himself at the Sydney Olympic Park.
“Callan has consistently been one of our best players all year,” Giants coach Sheedy said.
“He is a tough, hard midfielder who has shown strong leadership on and off the field to this young team.
“He plays with tremendous spirit and has a very big future ahead of him.”
Toby Greene, who would have been a frontrunner for the Rising Star award if not for his suspension, was runner up in the count while Jeremy Cameron, who kicked 29 goals in 16 matches, finished third.
Sheedy believed it bode well for the Giants’ future that two teenagers finished ahead of more AFL-hardened players like Tom Scully (fourth), Phil Davis (sixth), Chad Cornes (seventh) and Luke Power (eighth) in the count.
“For two first-year players to finish in the top three of the club’s best fairest is an incredible effort,” the four-time premiership coach said.
“Toby’s ability to find the ball and take on the contest has been a real highlight while Jeremy has had one of the best debut seasons of any young forward I’ve seen in more than 40 years in the game.”
Outgoing senior assistant coach Mark Williams, who made a sudden exit from the fledgling club on Saturday did not attend the presentation.
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