While talented, young utility player Noah Balta captured the imagination of Yellow and Black barrackers with his exciting display in Richmond’s JLT Community Series victory over Melbourne at Shepparton yesterday, a Tiger at the opposite end of the age spectrum showed he has plenty of top-class football left in him, producing a superb performance.
Bachar Houli dominated in his rebounding role at half-back, finishing the match with a team-high 35 disposals, which included a team-high six rebound-50s.
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He constantly turned defence into attack for the Tigers through his elite running power and spearing, left-foot kicks.
Houli, who turns 31 in May, was the oldest player on the ground, but you certainly wouldn’t have known that from the dashing manner in which he moved across the field.
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This time last year, Houli was dealing with an interrupted pre-season, as he battled a calf complaint. Then, in the middle of the season, he sustained a groin injury that sidelined him for a couple of months.
So, overall, it was a frustrating season for Houli, who had starred for Richmond in its drought-breaking Grand Final triumph over Adelaide the previous year and gone close to winning the Norm Smith Medal.
At the end of the 2018 season, Houli told Roar Vision his aspirations for 2019 . . .
“I’m in this team for my No. 1 strength, and that is my offensive patterns and getting the ball in my hands and delivering to the bigger boys inside 50," he said.
"I’m never going to be a master in all aspects of my game, but I’ll continue to better myself.
"I am getting a little bit older now, but that doesn’t mean I stop and I’m complacent with where I am at the moment.
"I am hungry for success and I want to do everything possible from my end to contribute to a successful year next year."
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Houli’s excellent exhibition against the Demons in Shepparton was a clear sign that he’s on the right track to make it happen in 2019.
