Former Tiger Ryan Garthwaite could become the latest ex-AFL player to try their hand in the US as a punter.
Former Blue and Crow Bryce Gibbs, who played with Garthwaite this year in the SANFL with South Adelaide, revealed the news on Tuesday - saying that the 24-year-old has had his eyes on a move to the States since being delisted by Richmond at the end of 2021.
The key defender played 14 games at Punt Road and featured in the VFL side's 2019 premiership, but will now look for a college scholarship as he makes his strides toward a punting career.
"Fun fact, Ryan Garthwaite, who played at the Panthers this year, is going to have a crack at punting," Gibbs told SEN SA.
"He's trying to get into college over there.
"He said he's been doing it since he finished at Richmond a couple of years ago.
That's something he's pursuing as we speak."
Gibbs said he believed that Garthwaite would go through the existing Australian pathways, which has seen several players make the move, in order to secure a scholarship in America.
"I believe so (that Garthwaite will utilise existing pathways for ex-AFL players)," Gibbs said.
"The next step for him is to land at a college, he's in his mid-20s."
Garthwaite, who frequently showed off his long-kicking ability at SANFL level this season, could join the likes of ex-Docker Max Duffy and former Saint Arryn Siposs in making the successful transition as punters in American Football.
While former AFL stars such as Ben Graham and Sav Rocca also enjoyed careers in punting after garnering a reputation in the AFL as booming kicks.
