His efforts in the inaugural A-League season of
2005–06 resulted in him becoming the first player to win the A-League's Rising Star Award with
Perth Glory, along with also winning the Perth Supporter's Player of the Year, and also the Smokefree WA Coach's Award. Following the end of the first A-League season, Nick Ward had trials with
Leicester City and
Brentford however, much to the disappointment of
Football Federation Australia, he joined Queens Park Rangers in the English Championship prior to the
2006–07 season. On 31 January 2007, the last day of the
transfer window, Ward joined
Brighton on loan for the remainder of the 2006–07 season. On 17 February 2007, Ward scored his first goal for the
Albion in their 2–1 home win over
Nottingham Forest before returning to Queens Park Rangers. On 4 December 2007, Ward's contract with Queens Park Rangers was terminated by mutual consent. He joined Melbourne Victory before further signing on as the Victory's youth marquee in a two-year deal. On 11 January 2008, Ward scored his first goal for the Melbourne Victory in their 3–0 home win over
Wellington Phoenix. On 1 September 2010, it was announced that Ward had signed with the Wellington Phoenix for the remainder of the 2010/11 A-League season. On 11 September 2010, against
Sydney FC, he scored his only goal for the Phoenix, a wonderful shot into the top right hand corner from outside the 18-yard box. Following the season, Ward was released from the Phoenix. Months after joining
Iraklis, Ward returned to the
Wellington Phoenix after the
Greek team was relegated to the amateur divisions. Ward said, "I am delighted
Ricki wanted me back and everything has fallen into place. Ward rejoined
Perth Glory for the
2012/13 Hyundai A-League Season, scoring his first goal since returning in the club's 3–2 win over the
Newcastle Jets on 3 November 2012. He scored his second goal for the club against the Western Sydney Wanderers in the 87th minute, which finished in a 1–1 draw. Ward, along with teammates
Evan Berger,
Dean Heffernan and Lewis Italiano were released by the Glory at the end of the
2012–13 A-League season. Ward unsuccessfully played a trial game for the
Western Sydney Wanderers during the 2013–14 pre-season. Ward signed with
Newcastle Jets as injury cover at the end of December 2013. On 28 February 2015, Ward signed with
Western Sydney Wanderers, making his debut in a 3–0 loss to Melbourne Victory, and unfortunately for Ward, suffering an
Anterior Cruciate Ligament tear. Ward returned to football in June 2017, signing with
National Premier Leagues Victoria side
Bentleigh Greens. In 2018, he moved to Indian
I-League side
NEROCA, and appeared in two league matches. ==International career==