Bachar Houli facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bachar Houli |
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Houli with Richmond in March 2017
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| Personal information | |||
| Date of birth | 12 May 1988 | ||
| Place of birth | Melbourne, Victoria | ||
| Original team | Western Jets (TAC Cup) Spotswood (WRFL) |
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| Draft | No. 42, 2006 national draft, Essendon No. 3, 2011 pre-season draft, Richmond |
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| Debut | Round 7, 2007, Essendon v. Kangaroos, at Docklands |
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| Position(s) | Defender | ||
| Career highlights | |||
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Bachar Houli OAM (born 12 May 1988) is a former Australian rules football player. He played 232 games over 15 years. He played for Richmond and Essendon in the Australian Football League (AFL). Bachar Houli won three premierships with Richmond. He was also named an All-Australian half-back in 2019. Houli is known as the first devout Muslim to play in the AFL.
In 2025, Houli is playing for the Newport Football Club. This team is part of the Western Football Netball League (WFNL).
Contents
Early Life and Junior Football
Bachar Houli was born in Australia. His parents came from Lebanon in the 1970s. He grew up in Melbourne suburbs like Altona North and Tarneit. He went to high school at Werribee Islamic College. Bachar was raised as a devout Muslim. He prayed five times a day. He also fasted during the holy month of Ramadan.
He started playing Australian rules football at age 11. He followed his older brothers into the sport. At first, he kept it a secret from his parents. They wanted him to focus on school. In his first season in 2000, he won an award. He was the under-12 best and fairest player. He played for Spotswood Football Club. After this, his parents found out. By his third season, they started to support his football. He won two more awards. He was also chosen for the Western Jets team. This team plays in the TAC Cup.
In 2004, Houli was chosen to captain the Victorian Metropolitan team. This was for the AFL under-16 championships. The next year, he was picked for the AFL Under 18 Championships. But he couldn't play because of a back injury. Later that year, he also hurt his Achilles tendon. This happened in a bike riding accident.
In 2006, Houli had more back problems. But he still played. He was vice-captain for Vic Metro. This was at the 2006 AFL Under 18 Championships. He kicked goals in games against South Australia and Western Australia. He was one of his team's best players. His team won the championship.
Before the 2006 draft, Houli talked to a sheikh. He decided to break his Ramadan fast for three days. This was for the AFL Draft Camp tests. He did very well in these tests. He was among the top five for the three-kilometre run. He also did well in the beep test.
AFL Career Highlights
Essendon (2007–2010)
In the 2006 AFL national draft, Essendon picked Bachar Houli. He was their fifth choice, the 42nd pick overall.
He played his first game for Essendon in February 2007. This was an exhibition match. He spent the first few weeks playing for the Bendigo Bombers. This is Essendon's VFL team. He played as a half-forward and midfielder. He had many disposals in his first games. Because of this, he made his AFL debut in round 7. He played against the Kangaroos. He had 15 disposals and kicked a goal with his first kick. He played four AFL matches in 2007.
In 2008, Houli played well in the pre-season. He started playing as a half-back too. He played in the main season. He had 26 disposals in a win against the Kangaroos. This earned him a Rising Star nomination. He played 10 games before a groin injury. This injury needed surgery. He averaged 19 disposals per game in 2008.
He returned from injury in 2009. He played in Essendon's first game. But he was sent back to the reserves team. He played well in the VFL. He was called back to the AFL in round 7. He had a career-best 31 disposals in round 10. He played seven matches that year. He averaged 22.4 disposals per game. He later fractured his fibula, which ended his season.
In 2010, Houli completed pre-season training. He started the year in the VFL. He played a few AFL games in rounds 3 and 4. But he was mostly in the VFL. He played three more AFL games later in the season. He played in a VFL final during Ramadan. He kept his fast strictly. He later said he would not do that again. He lost a lot of weight and almost fainted. In future games during Ramadan, he would drink small amounts of water. He finished 2010 with five AFL games.
Houli was not happy with Essendon. He wanted to play more senior games. He asked to be traded to Richmond. The two clubs could not agree on a trade. So, Houli left Essendon after four years and 26 games. He nominated for the pre-season draft.
Richmond (2011–2021)
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Richmond picked Houli in the pre-season draft. He was their first pick.
He immediately played for Richmond in round 1, 2011. He had 30 disposals in round 5. He played as a midfielder and defender. He had 30 or more disposals in several games. He was named best on ground in round 21. He had 32 disposals. Houli became an important half-back for Richmond. He played all 22 matches that season. He finished fourth in the club's best and fairest award.
In 2012, Houli started the season well. He averaged 25 disposals in the first three rounds. He signed a new two-year contract. He played all 22 matches again. He had the second most rebound 50s for the club. He finished 10th in the club's best and fairest.
Before the 2013 season, experts called Houli an "elite" defender. He played well, with a career-high 13 marks in round 3. He missed some games with a hamstring injury. He played in his first finals match. Richmond lost to Carlton. Houli played 21 matches in 2013. He finished 10th in the club's best and fairest.
Houli signed another two-year contract in 2014. He played his 100th AFL match in round 10. He had 26 disposals and kicked two goals. He had a career-high 33 disposals in round 14. He played in Richmond's final game. They lost to Port Adelaide. Houli played all 23 matches that year. He finished ninth in the club's best and fairest.
In 2015, Houli started strong. He had 32 disposals in round 3. He played his 100th match for Richmond in round 13. He continued to play well. For the third year, Richmond made the finals. They lost to North Melbourne. Houli played all 23 games. He was second in the league for total rebound 50s. He finished ninth in the club's best and fairest.
Houli had great form in early 2016. He broke his career-best disposal record twice. He had 35 and 36 disposals in rounds 2 and 3. In round 8, he broke his right wrist. This needed surgery. He returned to play in the VFL in July. He came back to AFL in round 19. He played 12 AFL matches in 2016. He finished 17th in the club's best and fairest. He chose to stay at Richmond despite other offers.
In 2017, Houli played his 150th AFL game in round 1. He had strong performances in rounds 11 and 13. In round 14, he was suspended for four weeks. This was for striking an opponent. He returned in round 19. He played well in the finals. He had 25 disposals and kicked a goal in the 2017 AFL Grand Final. Richmond won their first premiership in 37 years. Houli finished second in the Norm Smith Medal voting. He also placed eighth in the club's best and fairest.
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Houli had a calf injury in early 2018. He missed the first game. He returned in round 2. He played his 150th match for Richmond in round 7. In round 10, he had a serious groin injury. He missed six weeks. He also had finger surgery. He returned in round 17 but had more groin soreness. He played again in round 21. He helped Richmond finish first on the ladder. He played 24 disposals in a final win. Richmond lost in the preliminary final. Houli played 15 matches in 2018.
Houli had a great pre-season in 2019. He had a minor hamstring injury in round 1. He missed three weeks. He returned in round 5. He had 32 disposals in round 6. In round 10, he won the Yiooken Award. He had a career-high 37 disposals. He played his 200th AFL match in round 19. He had 31 disposals. He was named in the All-Australian team for the first time. He also received 11 Brownlow Medal votes.
In the finals, Houli played well. He had 32 disposals in the preliminary final. Richmond won and made the grand final. Houli became a two-time premiership player. Richmond won the 2019 AFL Grand Final by 89 points. Houli was second best on ground. He had 26 disposals. He played 22 matches in 2019. He finished seventh in the club's best and fairest.
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Houli had a calf strain in early 2020. He played in the State of Origin for Bushfire Relief Match. He helped Victoria win. He missed Richmond's first game with another calf strain. The AFL season was paused due to the coronavirus pandemic. Houli returned in round 2. He was best on ground with 26 disposals. He continued to play well. His family stayed in Melbourne when the team moved to the Gold Coast. He joined them later after quarantine.
He returned to play in round 13. He was among his team's best players in round 14. He played the final three regular season matches. He played in the finals. He had 32 disposals in a semi-final win. He became a three-time premiership player. Richmond won the 2020 AFL Grand Final. He tore his calf muscle early in that game. But he kept playing. He had 11 disposals. Houli also won the Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award. This was for his work with Muslim youth.
In 2021, Houli spent the off-season recovering from his calf injury. He missed the first three games. He returned in a VFL practice match. He played his 200th AFL match for Richmond in round 9. He had 21 disposals. He played five more games. He then suffered an ankle injury in round 16. This injury needed surgery. He tried to recover but could not return. He announced his retirement from AFL football.
Houli's career lasted 15 years. He played four years at Essendon and 11 years at Richmond. He won three premierships. He played 232 games in total. He was named All-Australian once.
Player Profile
Houli was a left-foot kicker. He played as a rebounding half-back. He was known for his long kicks. He also had great running ability. He used these skills to move the ball forward from defense.
Early in his career, he played different roles. He was a midfielder and half-forward. He became a permanent half-back in his second and third seasons.
By his seventh AFL season, Houli was one of the best defenders. In 2019, he was the only defender rated highly in disposals, metres gained, and intercept possessions. In 2020, he was named Richmond's 13th-best player of the AFL era.
AFL Statistics
Template:Australian rules football statistics start with votes |- | scope="row" style="text-align:center" | 2007 |style="text-align:center;"|Essendon | 43 || 4 || 3 || 5 || 20 || 24 || 44 || 17 || 5 || 0.8 || 1.3 || 5.0 || 6.0 || 11.0 || 4.3 || 1.3 || 0 |- style="background-color: #EAEAEA" | scope="row" style="text-align:center" | 2008 |style="text-align:center;"|Essendon | 43 || 10 || 4 || 3 || 82 || 108 || 190 || 35 || 36 || 0.4 || 0.3 || 8.2 || 10.8 || 19.0 || 3.5 || 3.6 || 1 |- | scope="row" style="text-align:center" | 2009 |style="text-align:center;"|Essendon | 43 || 7 || 0 || 1 || 67 || 90 || 157 || 33 || 16 || 0.0 || 0.1 || 9.6 || 12.9 || 22.4 || 4.7 || 2.3 || 0 |- style="background-color: #EAEAEA" | scope="row" style="text-align:center" | 2010 |style="text-align:center;"|Essendon | 43 || 5 || 2 || 4 || 46 || 54 || 100 || 24 || 17 || 0.4 || 0.4 || 9.2 || 10.8 || 20.0 || 4.8 || 3.4 || 0 |- | scope="row" style="text-align:center" | 2011 |style="text-align:center;"|Richmond | 14 || 22 || 5 || 6 || 273 || 205 || 478 || 127 || 55 || 0.2 || 0.3 || 12.4 || 9.3 || 21.7 || 5.8 || 2.5 || 3 |- style="background-color: #EAEAEA" | scope="row" style="text-align:center" | 2012 |style="text-align:center;"|Richmond | 14 || 22 || 3 || 3 || 270 || 201 || 471 || 110 || 48 || 0.1 || 0.1 || 12.3 || 9.1 || 21.4 || 5.0 || 2.2 || 0 |- | scope="row" style="text-align:center" | 2013 |style="text-align:center;"|Richmond | 14 || 21 || 6 || 5 || 286 || 180 || 466 || 130 || 39 || 0.3 || 0.2 || 13.6 || 8.6 || 22.2 || 6.2 || 1.9 || 5 |- style="background-color: #EAEAEA" | scope="row" style="text-align:center" | 2014 |style="text-align:center;"|Richmond | 14 || 23 || 5 || 6 || 290 || 205 || 495 || 104 || 57 || 0.2 || 0.3 || 12.6 || 8.9 || 21.5 || 4.5 || 2.5 || 0 |- | scope="row" style="text-align:center" | 2015 |style="text-align:center;"|Richmond | 14 || 23 || 5 || 2 || 323 || 188 || 511 || 126 || 59 || 0.2 || 0.1 || 14.0 || 8.2 || 22.2 || 5.5 || 2.6 || 2 |- style="background-color: #EAEAEA" | scope="row" style="text-align:center" | 2016 |style="text-align:center;"|Richmond | 14 || 12 || 0 || 3 || 175 || 124 || 299 || 80 || 29 || 0.0 || 0.3 || 14.6 || 10.3 || 24.9 || 6.7 || 2.4 || 0 |- | scope=row bgcolor=F0E68C | 2017# |style="text-align:center;"|Richmond | 14 || 21 || 5 || 9 || 291 || 205 || 496 || 108 || 75 || 0.2 || 0.4 || 13.9 || 9.8 || 23.6 || 5.1 || 3.6 || 1 |- style="background-color: #EAEAEA" | scope="row" style="text-align:center" | 2018 |style="text-align:center;"|Richmond | 14 || 15 || 3 || 6 || 175 || 141 || 316 || 71 || 26 || 0.2 || 0.4 || 11.7 || 9.4 || 21.1 || 4.7 || 1.7 || 0 |- | scope=row bgcolor=F0E68C | 2019# |style="text-align:center;"|Richmond | 14 || 22 || 1 || 0 || 362 || 250 || 612 || 141 || 58 || 0.0 || 0.0 || 16.5 || 11.4 || 27.8 || 6.4 || 2.6 || 11 |- style="background-color: #EAEAEA" | scope=row bgcolor=F0E68C | 2020# |style="text-align:center;"|Richmond | 14 || 13 || 0 || 1 || 131 || 111 || 242 || 48 || 28 || 0.0 || 0.1 || 10.1 || 8.5 || 18.6 || 3.7 || 2.2 || 1 |- | scope="row" style="text-align:center" | 2021 |style="text-align:center;"|Richmond | 14 || 12 || 1 || 0 || 159 || 116 || 275 || 77 || 40 || 0.1 || 0.0 || 13.3 || 9.7 || 22.9 || 6.4 || 3.3 || 3 |- |- scope="row" style="background-color: #EAEAEA; font-weight:bold; text-align: center; width:2em" class="sortbottom" | colspan=3| Career | 232 | 43 | 52 | 2950 | 2202 | 5152 | 1231 | 588 | 0.2 | 0.2 | 12.7 | 9.5 | 22.2 | 5.3 | 2.5 | 27 |}
Notes
Awards and Achievements
Team Awards
Individual Awards
- All-Australian: 2019
- Fred Swift Medal (4th RFC B&F): 2011
- AFL Rising Star nominee: 2008
- Yiooken Award: 2019
- Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award: 2020
Junior Awards
- U18 national champion: 2006
- U16 Victoria Metro captain: 2004
Personal Life and Community Work
Bachar Houli was the first devout Muslim to play in the AFL. He was the third Muslim player overall. His family comes from Mish Mish in Lebanon.
Houli asked religious leaders for permission to break his Ramadan fast on game days. He also adjusted his training during the holy month. He usually fasts during AFL matches. But he will drink water or sports drinks if he is close to dehydration.
In September 2009, Houli married Rouba Abou-Zeid. They have two daughters and a son.
In June 2023, Houli was in a serious crash. He had a broken pelvis and shoulder. He also had a punctured lung.
In October 2023, Houli shared a video on social media. It was about the conflict in the Middle East. He later took down the video after the AFL asked him to. He said he is a man of faith and peace. He believes in respect, peace, and love. He stated that he does not support the killing of any innocent people.
Community Leadership
Houli is a community leader. He inspires young Australian Muslims in sports. In 2012, he started working on an Islamic schools program. He also asked the AFL to create prayer rooms at stadiums. This helps Muslim fans attend games and pray.
In 2012, Houli started the Bachar Houli Academy. This program helps young Muslim footballers. It offers community activities and a path to elite football. He also created the Bachar Houli Cup. This is a football competition for Islamic schools. It ends with a national tournament. The program was nominated for an award in 2013. In 2019, the Bachar Houli Foundation was created. It helps run these football and leadership programs.
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull praised Houli's community work in 2017. He said Houli's work with Muslim youth was very important. In 2012, Houli won an award for promoting understanding between Muslims and non-Muslims. In 2021, he received the Torch of Justice Award. This was for his community work and standing against racism.
Autobiography
In November 2020, Houli wrote a book. It is called Bachar Houli: Faith, Football and Family. It was published by Penguin Books. The book was well-received.
See also
- Islam in Australia
External links
- Bachar Houli's playing statistics from AFL Tables
- Bachar Houli's statistics from Footy Wire
