Bachar Houli

Bachar Houli
Houli at Richmond's family day in December 2016
Personal information
Date of birth	(1988-05-12) 12 May 1988 (age 28)
Place of birth	Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Original team(s)	Western Jets (TAC Cup)
Draft	No. 42, 2006 AFL National Draft: Essendon
Debut	Round 7, 2007, Essendon vs. Kangaroos, at Telstra Dome
Height / weight	180 cm (5 ft 11 in) / 84 kg (185 lb)
Position(s)	Defender / Midfielder
Club information
Current club	Richmond
Number	14
Playing career1
Years	Club	Games (Goals)
2007–2010	Essendon	026 0(9)
2011–	Richmond	123 (24)
Total		149 (33)
1 Playing statistics correct to the end of 2016.
Career highlights
AFL Rising Star nominee: 2008
Sources: AFL Tables, AustralianFootball.com

Bachar Houli (Arabic: بشار حولي‎‎, 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 second devout Muslim to play in the AFL. Houli stated in an interview at the time of his debut in 2007 that he was the first practicing Muslim to play for a senior AFL side, although he also acknowledged that prior to him there had been two other Muslims in the league, these being Adem Yze and Sedat Sir.

Houli was born in Australia to Lebanese parents. The young left-footer began playing football with Spotswood Football Club Under 12s in 2000. 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 has said it was hard growing up a devout Muslim, and playing Australian rules football at the same time. There was little amount of sport being played in Islamic schools, and he had to sneak out when he was young in his earlier years in order to just play games without his parents knowing. His persistence to want to play the sport finally led to his parents accepting and supporting of his talents which led him to become an AFL player.

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. 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.