Tommy Talks with Callan Ward!

Tommy Talks is joined by GWS Giants legend Callan Ward for one of the most honest and emotional interviews we've ever had. Wardy reflects on his journey from the Western Bulldogs to becoming the inaugural captain of the GWS Giants, the challenges of building a club from scratch, and the heartbreak of five Preliminary Final defeats. We dive into the infamous Campbell Brown hit on his 21st birthday and the apology that followed, getting kicked out by the Bulldogs on Mad Monday, training on baseball fields and kicking goals at light poles in the Giants' early days, plus the hilarious story of celebrating GWS's first-ever AFL win before a hungover radio appearance with Eddie McGuire. Cal also opens up on the 2016 Preliminary Final against his former club, the devastation of missing the 2019 Grand Final through injury, career-threatening ACL setbacks, resilience, leadership, family, perspective and the lessons footy has taught him about life. Plus, we kick things off with a classic as Wardy reveals what really pisses him off. A must-watch conversation with one of the most respected figures in AFL football. 0:31 - Welcome & Intro to Callan Ward 1:13 - How Cal lost his voice getting hit playing footy 7:21 - What pisses Cal off (great segment) 11:46 - Elite 2007 draft class breakdown (Cotchin, Dangerfield, Rance) 14:21 - Juggling high school and AFL footy 23:37 - First interaction with Rocket (coach) 24:40 - Campbell Brown elbow KO on Kellen's 21st birthday 26:18 - Campbell Brown's video apology 37:10 - First year memories at the Dogs 44:56 - Leaving the Dogs / trade to GWS Giants 55:13 - Early Giants days - baseball diamonds & no goalposts 1:02:24 - Co-captaining with Phil Davis 1:07:33 - Hung over live interview with Eddie McGuire 1:11:27 - 2016 Prelim - the one that got away 1:20:18 - Doing his ACL in 2019 1:24:29 - Grand Final 2019 - breaking down with his twin sister 1:28:48 - Second ACL & retirement 1:36:32 - Best trip ever: America, Napa Valley & Kobe Bryant 1:39:28 - Life after footy & dream of being a fireman Rio's Legacy: https://rioslegacy.grassrootz.com/rio... Use the code 'ACES' for 50% off your order at Inglewood Coffee Roasters: https://inglewoodcoffeeroasters.com.au/ Enter your Local Footy Club into the Prophet Propeller! (18+ only): https://forms.gle/PNT3YDXhizFviiRd9 Contact us: Email: [email protected] Instagram: https://instagram.com/ausmericanaces?... Youtube: / ausmericanaces Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3yTNtjp... Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast... TikTok: / ausmerican_aces If you're enjoying our shows please feel free to shout us out on Instagram and tag us. There is nothing better than a little bit of love on social media from all of our loyal listeners & viewers! #CallanWard #GWSGiants, #AFL #TommyTalks #AFLPodcast #AFLInterview, #AFL2026 #AFLLeadership #AFLInjuries #ACLRecovery #AFLCareer #PrelimFinals