Rebounding Richmond defender Bachar Houli is enjoying one of the best periods of his AFL career.
Houli’s 26-possession performance against Adelaide, at the MCG last Saturday, was the fifth straight game he has accumulated 20 or more touches.
It’s just the second time in his league career he has achieved this feat – the other was from Round 19-23 last season.
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In 11 games in season 2013, Houli has averaged 22 disposals, which is bettered only by the seven games he played in 2009, where he averaged 22.4 possessions.
So far this season, he is ranked No. 1 at Richmond for rebound 50s (45), No. 3 for total marks (70), No. 5 for disposals (242), and equal fourth for kicks (145).
Houli, who hasn’t missed a game since crossing from Essendon at the end of the 2010 season, is providing a balance between strong defensive pressure and attacking prowess off half-back.
“Our defenders want to defend first and attack second,” team-mate Shaun Grigg told the Sunday Footy Show.
“We want to get the ball in Bachar’s hands. He’s a good left foot kick, and he helps set us up.”
Houli is in his seventh year of AFL football and he’s played 81 games in total – 55 of them with Richmond.