Young Giants realise what's required: Ward For Callan Ward, the age of the unknown is over. After a maiden season of firsts, two victories and too many one-sided wallopings, Greater Western Sydney have entered year two of their AFL existence. The novelty of the venture is long gone, Ward no longer harbours the same nervous energy or excitement. It's now simply about becoming the sort of dominant football side that most pundits expect the Giants to be in a couple of years. The length of that journey is a moot point given draftees - even exceptionally talented ones - take time to develop and mature. But with 25 first-round draft picks on their list and AFL concessions aplenty, the odds are stacked in the Giants' favour. Ward, a no-nonsense midfielder who is both the Giants' best player and their more senior co-captain, is not one for long-term forecasting. But even at present, midway through the monotony of pre-season, Ward can see boys becoming men. "I think they've started to understand what's required to play AFL," Ward told AAP. It's been noticeable that the guys have had that year of AFL football. You can tell on the track that everyone understands it now - what it takes to play AFL. Whereas last year they were just excited to play their first game, or be pulling on a Giants jersey. And I think last year we had a good list. This year we have a great list. ..."I know we only won two last year. This year hopefully more. In many ways, Ward is the on-field heart and soul of the fledgling club. He has finals experience but the best years of his career lie ahead. And yet, the 22-year-old was the clear choice when it came to their inaugural best and fairest award last year. It was a fine reward for the former Western Bulldog who in 2011 weighed up whether to leave the comforts of Melbourne and join the expansion franchise. But Ward is not one to dwell on his deeds, especially with the difficult task at hand. "I learned plenty off the other guys last year and I think I've come a long way since I first took over the captaincy," he said. You pick up small things along the way and I think I'm starting to build that into my training and also games. I'm just looking to improve and learn every step of the way. GWS host Carlton and Sydney on February 24 in round one of the pre-season competition.