Bachar Houli may have had four years in the AFL system, but right now he’s as enthusiastic and energetic as the keenest teenage draftee imaginable.
Today (December 7, 2010) is Houli’s first official day as a Richmond footballer, after being selected by the Tigers with their pick (No. 3 overall) in the pre-season draft, and the 22-year-old couldn’t be more excited . . .
Watch Bachar Houli highlights
“It feels like the draft day back in ’06 when I first got drafted, to be quite honest. It’s just like starting again,” he said.
“The atmosphere at the Club has been amazing, particularly from the boys themselves . . . they’ve made me feel really welcome, and I definitely feel at home.
“They have respected where I’ve come from, why I’ve come to the Club, and I haven’t looked back.
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“Everybody has contributed in making me feel so comfortable here.”
Following a frustrating 2010 season with Essendon, Houli had a meeting with Richmond coach Damien Hardwick in September about a possible move to Tigerland - and came away convinced where his football future lay.
“Dimma said, ‘this is where we are heading as a team, and this is where we see you fitting in’.
“He basically outlined the role he saw me playing - mainly as an outside midfielder, trying to deliver inside 50 to the bigger boys, with a bit of half-forward as well - and told me he felt I could add a bit to the team.
“That gave me a lot of confidence, which is really important.”
The other major Yellow and Black attraction for Houli, is the opportunity to take on a leadership role among such a young playing group.
“About two-thirds of the group are younger than me, which is incredible really,” he said.
“To get to grow together with those young players, who are all so hungry to succeed, will be great.
“I’ve always had older friends, and I’ve learned a lot from them. Being more mature than a lot of guys my age, when I was growing up, taught me a lot. And, now, I definitely hope to offer some sort of leadership to the younger guys developing here at the Club.
“It won’t be so much from a vocal perspective on-field - more just how to be humble, and how to be respectful . . .”
Houli’s sense of anticipation at Punt Road has been heightened due to the renowned fanaticism of the Yellow and Black faithful.
“It’s going to be awesome playing in front of the passionate Richmond supporters at the MCG,” he said.
“Coming from Essendon, I expect it’s going to be fairly similar - you know, two big, traditional, passionate clubs, always pulling the big crowds.
“I’m really looking forward to getting on the Tiger bandwagon . . .”
