It's been a remarkable journey for the former Western Jet, who juggled year-12 commitments with his debut year at the club last season.
Such was his ability to balance the conflicting schedules, Ward managed to play six games last year and has figured in all three this season.
"I'm hopefully playing my 10th game this weekend, and everyone has helped me out," he said on Wednesday, ahead of the Dogs' round-four clash with West Coast.
"All the boys are really good to me, so I'm starting to feel like I belong here a bit more."
He admitted he was still getting used to getting up and going to the club every day without having to worry about attending Williamstown High.
"It's heaps different from last year. Last year I was at school full time and trying to play AFL full time as well," he said.
"It's a bit different but I'm enjoying it and it's really fun. I'm starting to get used to it now."
Ward has offered advice to recent Bulldogs' recruit Liam Jones, who is boarding at Scotch College while he completes his final year of education.
"He's a bit different because he's hardly ever at the club. Last year I was at the club probably twice a week and he's here once, if lucky," he said.
"It's a bit tougher for him that it was for me last year.
"I've tried to help him out a fair bit and he's taken it all in his stride and is going really well."
Ward said he had noticed an improvement in his fitness, thanks to the tough pre-season regime new head of physical performance Bill Davoren subjected the players to.
He also said the Dogs should have no problem with backing up against the Eagles on Sunday, despite a short six-day break and their second trip to Perth within four weeks.
"It's pretty tough but over the pre-season we've really worked on our fitness with Bill," he said.
"He's really helped us with our recovery and a six-day break is hardly anything to us.
"We played in Perth in round one and we're right to play in round four again. We're a fit team so we can back it up."
