Bryant is off to America

By Ken Casellas

Teenager Ashton Bryant, a skilful, hard-working and highly efficient midfielder, will make his final appearance for Claremont for four years when he lines up for the reserves side in the match against West Perth at Revo Fitness Stadium on Saturday.

He has been awarded a scholarship to study at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and will leave Perth on Monday week.

The 18-year-old Bryant has been a shining light for coach Darren Harper’s reserves side this year, and he will be sorely missed when the Tigers contest final-round matches next month.

‘I’m absolutely devastated that I will miss the finals,” he said. “I’ve been looking at avenues to see if I could delay my trip to the United States. But I had to be at Harvard by August 22 to take part in the international student orientation.”

Bryant, the school captain at Hale last year, was a member of the Tigers colts premiership side last season and he made his league debut in the round two match against East Fremantle in April this year. He also played in the round three match against South Fremantle before returning to the reserves side.

He has been an outstanding performer in twelve reserves matches and is anxious to bow out on a winning note in this week’s contest against the Falcons.

“I’m sad about this being my last game, but I’m also very excited about what’s to come,” he said.

“I’m very fortunate to have received this scholarship. I’ll be studying economics and finance and looking to gain a Bachelor of Arts, the only degree on offer at the undergraduate school. It’s a four-year course.”

Bryant aims to keep fit in America, and Jason Weber, a renowned strength and conditioning coach, has given him a program to follow while he is away.

“I’ll be a bit lost without footy, but I aim to play basketball, while Jason thinks that it also would be good to get into lacrosse, a sport that transfers to football. I’ll take a football with me and will introduce my new American friends to the Sherrin.

“I’d love to return to Perth in 2029 and play league football for Claremont and win a premiership. That’s the big picture goal. I’ve had the taste, playing two league games and being part of the colts premiership last year.

“It was exciting and a bit surreal running out in the midfield with the likes of Bolts (Jye Bolton) and Brogs (Bailey Rogers). That and the colts grand final have been the highlights of my career.”

Bryant explained that he would return to Perth for three months in winter every year while the Harvard University was in recess. He has spoken with league coach Ash Prescott and football operations manager Kepler Bradley who have agreed that he will be most welcome to train with the senior squad during his trips home.

Bryant aims to be watching on streamer when the Claremont league and reserves sides contest final-round matches next month.

“Our record shows that that our reserves side is the best team in the competition, and I think we have the talent, system and the coaches to win the premiership,” he said.