GWS veteran Callan Ward is holding out hope that an elusive premiership is still a chance in 2024 as the Giants look to work themselves out of a "lull".
The New South Wales club suffered its fourth defeat in five matches on Sunday at the hands of Hawthorn, with Adam Kingsley's side falling to eighth on the ladder after emerging as a leading premiership threat in the early stages of the season.
While still firmly in the flag race, the Giants are looking to turn their form around ahead of a crucial clash with Port Adelaide this weekend, with another loss potentially seeing them fall outside of the finals frame.
The drop in results has also seen Ward's chances of a maiden premiership slide, with 2024 a chance of being the 34-year-old's last tilt at the title.
Noting he'd "love it to be this year" where he finally stands on the dais, the 302-gamer knows the Giants will work themselves out of their current on-field concerns for the home stretch.
"We understand there's always lulls in seasons. I've been around long enough to know things can turn and things will turn," Ward told media on Tuesday.
"Everyone wants to play in a premiership. I've put it out there that I'd love to play in a premiership. Especially coming to the end of my career, I'd love it to be this year.
"I think about it a bit, but at the same time we're just trying to improve every single week."
The former Bulldog has again been a key role player for the Giants this year, shifting across role in all areas of the field while also being utilised to go head-to-head with the competition's best onballers.
Now running on the wing for Kingsley, Ward is happy to take on whatever role is required to help his side each weekend.
"I guess it changes depending on who we play and what [the coaches] want from me," Ward said of his role.
"I played on (Marcus) Bontempelli against the Dogs and then I got gastro the week after that and missed the game. Then on the weekend I came back and played on the wing.
"At the moment I'll play wherever [Kinglsey] wants me to play and I'll play the role he wants. I don't care where that is, we're just working out ways I can impact the game a bit more now.
"I played (on the wing) about three or four years ago under Leon (Cameron), but I wasn't there for too long. I don't mind it out there, you just have to run a lot."
The Giants could rise as high as fourth on the ladder with a Round 14 win, facing current top four occupant Port Adelaide at Engie Stadium to close the week's proceedings.