| Bachar Houli | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Personal information | |||
| Full name | Bachar Houli | ||
| Date of birth | 12 May 1988 | ||
| Original team | Western Jets (TAC Cup) | ||
| Draft | #42, 2006 National Draft, Essendon | ||
| Height/Weight | 180cm / 82kg | ||
| Position(s) | Defender / Midfielder | ||
| Club information | |||
| Current club | Richmond | ||
| Number | 14 | ||
| Playing career1 | |||
| Years | Club | Games (Goals) | |
| 2007–2010 2011– Total |
Essendon Richmond |
26 (9) 22 (5) 48 (14) |
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1 Playing statistics to end of 2011 season .
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| Career highlights | |||
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Bachar Houli (born 12 May 1988) is an Australian rules footballer for Richmond in the Australian Football League (AFL). Houli plays as a midfielder. He is the first devout Muslim to play in the AFL.[1]
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Houli was born in Australia to Lebanese parents. The young left-footer began playing football with Spotswood Football Club Under 12s in 2000.[2] After consulting with a Sheikh, Houli decided to break his Ramadan fast for three days during the physical endurance tests at the AFL Draft Camp; this allowed him to record sufficient times to impress recruiters and be a viable selection in the draft.
Houli was drafted at pick 42 in the 2006 National Draft by Essendon. He played four games for the Bombers in 2007 and kicked three goals. After his impressive performances in the Bombers 2008 NAB Cup he was selected for the Bombers Round 1 team to play the Kangaroos. He played an important part in helping the Bombers secure a 55 point victory and received the first round nomination for the AFL Rising Star award.[3] After the completion of the 2010 trade week, Houli left Essendon and was drafted by Richmond with their only selection in the 2010 Pre-season Draft.[4]
Houli picked up three Brownlow Medal votes following a fantastic display for Richmond against Sydney in Round 21 of the 2011 season.
Houli has become a leading influence for many young Australian Muslims; his dedication and commitment to his AFL career has enabled him to become a primary figure in his Muslim community. Houli's role has been likened to that of Hazem El Masri in the Rugby League community. Adem Yze, a Melbourne regular from 1995 to 2007, was one of the first Muslim Aussie Rules players at AFL level, and Houli has stated his desire to follow in Yze's footsteps. He is married to Rouba Abou-Zeid.[5]
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