GWS veteran Callan Ward's career could be over, after the 35-year-old veteran appeared to suffer a serious knee injury in the first quarter against the Tigers on Saturday.

Ward flew a mark against Richmond's Hugo Ralphsmith, which was spoiled by the young Tiger, before bouncing up and attempting to tackle Ralphsmith.

As Ward braced for collision, he then pulled out of the tackle to grab at his right knee, in an action commentators described as a potential indicator of an ACL injury.

Ward struggled to walk after he was assessed on-field for injury, hopping and hobbling in the arms of trainers as he left the field.

The 35-year-old waved to the crowd as he neared the bench, and as he continued to be assessed on the sidelines, Ward was emotional with teammates and staff.

A confirmation of a long-term injury could potentially spell the end of an illustrious career at the Western Bulldogs and GWS Giants, where Ward has become a much-loved figure of the expansion team, joining in their inaugural year.

Playing 327 games, Ward has automatically earned AFL life membership for his service in the game as a player.

Speaking post-match, GWS coach Adam Kingsley said he feared the worst for Ward, but the club would wrap their arms around him and ensure he remains a leader off-field.

So powerful is Ward's leadership, his three-quarter-time address to a battling Giants outfit is what sparked a five-goal to zero final term that led to GWS escaping with a three-point victory.

"It doesn't look great. Obviously incredibly disappointing for our footy club โ€ฆ such an important person, important player," Kingsley said.

"I don't know what it'll look like for the rest of the season but he'll be around supporting us.

"He's a fantastic clubman, he sees the game really well and there's no doubt that he'll add value in whatever he does. It just won't be on the field, unfortunately."

While Ward has yet to comment on an official retirement date, his family made the move back to Victoria this year after he earned a one-year extension in 2024, implying that 2025 may be his last.

Ward had already considered 2024 to be his final season, but made a big call to extend his playing days as long as he could.

"Everyone says you can't play footy forever, and it is so true, so why not make it last a bit longer if we can?" Ward told AFL.com.au in February.

Scans will reveal the extent of the injury in the coming days.