Ward and Palmer join the GIANTS

The Greater Western Sydney GIANTS on Wednesday welcomed two big recruits, with Callan Ward and Rhys Palmer signing on to join the Club’s inaugural AFL list in 2012.

Callan Ward is a 21-year old, hard running midfielder from the Western Bulldogs.

Rhys Palmer is 22-year-old, left footed, midfielder who joins the GIANTS following four years with the Fremantle Dockers. Rhys won the prestigious NAB Rising Star award in 2008.

GIANTS CEO Dale Holmes said that the club is thrilled the talented pair will join the club in 2012.

“There’s been a lot of speculation that has surrounded these signings but as a Club we are excited to today confirm that Callan and Rhys will be a part of the future of this football club,” Holmes said.

“Obviously it has been a difficult decision for them, and there has been a great deal of speculation that has surrounded them, but they have both come to this decision in their own time and it’s one we all need to respect.

“As a club we couldn’t be happier to be welcoming two young players that have put their hands up to take on an exciting personal challenge and lead this young playing group.”

The Western Bulldogs drafted Ward with pick 19 in the 2007 NAB AFL draft, following an impressive year in the TAC Cup with the Western Jets.

He made his AFL debut against St Kilda in 2008 and went on to play 60 games for the Bulldogs.

Ward said he’s excited about the prospect of joining the AFL’s newest club but also thanked the Western Bulldogs and their supporters for the four years he spent at the club.

“I’m excited about having a chance to join GWS next year. It’s been a massive decision for me and it wasn’t an easy one to make,” Ward said.

“I’d like to thank the Western Bulldogs for the last four years, I have enjoyed my time at the club and there are absolutely no hard feelings there.

“Obviously the talent here already at the GIANTS is really impressive and working with all of them is something that I’m looking forward to.

“As a kid I was actually an Essendon supporter so to now have the opportunity to play under Kevin Sheedy is pretty special for me.”

Palmer was a member of the winning West Australian side in the 2007 NAB AFL U18 National Championships and in the same year he was named in the U18s All-Australian side.

Fremantle selected Palmer with pick number seven in the 2007 NAB AFL Draft. After a promising debut season, Palmer was awarded the 2008 NAB AFL Rising Star award. He missed the 2009 AFL season due to a knee reconstruction and returned in Round 6, 2010 and has played 53 career games.

Palmer said that he was looking forward to moving to Western Sydney later this year and facing the challenge ahead of him.

“To make this decision I spoke to a lot of close people around me including my family and my friends. I know that I have personally made the right decision for me and I’m just so happy to be a part of this,” Palmer said.

“I have a chance to challenge myself, step forward as a leader in a very young playing group and help build a brand new AFL club.

“Naturally it’s hard to leave the club you’re with, the Dockers have been a great club to be a part of and for that I thank them, but for me it’s time to look at a new chapter.

“The GIANTS have an exciting time ahead with the draft and really finalising this list. I’m just looking forward to seeing who these talented players are and getting into our first preseason together.”

The two players will now head back to their respective states over the off-season and join the GIANTS for pre season training in November 2011.