Star Richmond rebounding defender Bachar Houli is enjoying the best season by a Tiger veteran since Matthew Richardson in 2008.
That was the year ‘Richo’, at age 33, finished third in the Brownlow Medal after being shifted from his customary key-forward role to a wing.
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Richo still managed to kick 48 goals that season, while averaging 18.2 disposals and 11.1 marks per match.
Houli, at 31 years and three months of age, and the oldest player on Richmond’s list, is averaging 28.3 disposals, 6.3 marks and 4.9 rebound-50s.
He is ranked second in the competition for bounces per game, sixth for uncontested possessions per game and seventh for metres gained per game.
Houli continued his fine form in last Saturday night’s victory over Melbourne at the MCG, finishing with 32 disposals, five rebound-50s, three inside-50s, seven marks, four tackles and 523 metres gained.
During a Channel Seven, post-match, on-ground interview with Matthew Richardson, Houli provided a concise explanation of why he was playing so well in the twilight of his AFL career.
“Maybe just the mentality of just wanting to enjoy every moment that I’ve got. I don’t know how long I’ve got left,” Houli said.
“I play amongst a great group, who are very well connected and look after me every time I run past.”
View this post on InstagramAn absolute star on and off the field. Congratulations, @bacharhouli14 #Bachar200
