Callan Ward won't play again this AFL season but the classy co-captain continues to advise and inspire GWS's star-studded midfield.
Ward made a delayed start to the Giants' 2019 campaign because of a knee injury, returning in round four.
The on-baller ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament in the early stages of that comeback match against Geelong, which finished with an inspiring three-quarter time address from Ward and emotional scenes as the Giants stormed to victory.
Ward was desperate to help out this year after undergoing surgery.
The 29-year-old has become a regular on GWS's interchange bench during recent weeks, while he is also helping teammates analyse footage between matches.
"It's been huge for me personally. Because I don't think I'd played a game without Wardy up until this season," in-form midfielder Jacob Hopper told reporters.
"I love having him there.
"Even as my whole career progresses I think I'll still look to him (for advice), just because I have so much respect for him. On and off the field, a lot of us younger mids really look up to Wardy and what he's done for the footy club plus the game.
"He's the spiritual leader ... it's awesome we've still got him around and heavily involved."
Ward has become somewhat of a conduit between assistant coach Lenny Hayes and players during GWS's current three-match winning streak while also offering his own insight to teammates.
"Anything he's seen, any trend in the game or something about an opposition player, he'll just tap me on the shoulder and say 'this is happening'," Hopper said.
"Obviously there is so much going on during a game, you can get lost in it all. He can really refocus you sometimes.
"He's been fantastic."
The second-placed Giants face Adelaide at Adelaide Oval on Saturday night, with Hopper keen to bank more premiership points at an intimidating venue.
"They're a really good team and the crowd is pretty vicious over there but we love it and want to soak it up," the 22-year-old said.
"This year we've struggled to get wins in a row. We seem to have two or three really good weeks then lose one, that's something we've looked into and we're keen to address."
