The Western Bulldogs believe promising midfielder Callan Ward could still turn his back on a huge money offer from AFL expansion side Greater Western Sydney and remain with their club.

Caretaker coach Paul Williams said they believed the 21-year-old hadn't made a decision on his playing future, despite a newspaper report claiming he had signed a five-year deal believed to be worth between $750,000 and $800,000 a year.

Throughout the season, Ward has been linked to the Giants, along with Melbourne's Tom Scully.

"We don't have any reason to think anything until he tells us, and he hasn't told us he's staying or going," Williams said after training on Wednesday ahead of their final-round clash with Fremantle on Saturday.

"He's told us he's still making up his mind."

Bulldogs football manager James Fantasia said the news that Ward had already signed were the result of reporters "trying to join a few dots and (taking) a stab that that's what will happen," Fantasia told radio station SEN.

"We're still extremely hopeful that we can secure him.

"It's a very, very tough ask when you're competing with the likes of GWS but we're still confident.

"I'd be of the view that he's yet to make his decision."

Williams said the club, including players, had done everything they could to retain Ward, who he believed had handled himself "beautifully" through the process.

"They've done everything and above. They've done everything they possibly can and now we wait and see.

"Currently, he's a Bulldog player and we hope that he stays."

The Bulldogs also lost Jarrod Harbrow to Gold Coast last year but Williams said there was little the club could do.

"That's the environment for these guys ... and we've got it most likely next year as well because GWS get another crack at uncontracted players next year as well."

Meanwhile, Williams said interviews for the head coach position, vacated by Rodney Eade, were yet to begin but his two games so far as interim had made him even more determined to make his role permanent.

Known for his toughness during his 306-game career with Sydney and Collingwood, Williams said he thrived on the pressure.

"I just really enjoy the pressure and the extra responsibility, and everything that goes with it," he said.

"Right throughout my playing career, I really enjoyed pressure. I tend to relish it. Although it's a really small sample, I've really enjoyed myself."

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