Ward rewarded with Rising Star

Western bulldogs young gun Callan Ward has picked up the round 18 Rising Star nomination for his impressive game against Fremantle last Saturday. The 19-year-old gathered 22 disposals, 2 goals and 4 inside 50′s against the Dockers and although having had better games earlier this season Ward was rewarded for his consistency throughout the season. Some would say he was unlucky not to get nominated earlier in the season for having standout games, in particular his 33 disposal effort against Port Adelaide in Darwin. Blues tagger Aaron Joseph won the nomination that week for his game against Stephen Milne. Taken with Pick #19 in the 2007 National Draft ward played 6 games in 2008 as he juggled football and his Year 12 VCE commitments. Having played in 15 of the 18 games this season Ward says that there’s still pressure to keep his spot in the side. “I’ve played nine or 10 games in a row now so I do feel a bit more settled but there is always pressure from down below at VFL level,” he said. “I know there are probably five or six players in the VFL now who could easily take my spot. The competition is probably a good thing and puts pressure on us.” Ward is set to take on the Eagles at Etihad Stadium in round 19 and will be looking to improve on his 12 disposal and 1 goal performance when these two teams last met.

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