Veteran Richmond star rebounding defender Bachar Houli was impressive second-up from a spell in last night’s clash with West Coast at Metricon Stadium.

Houli, understandably a bit rusty in his return appearance against Essendon five days earlier, following a seven-week absence from the line-up due to personal reasons, played a customary key role for the Tigers in their 27-point win.

He finished the match with 23 disposals, six rebound-50s, three inside-50s, five intercepts, three tackles, seven marks and a game-high 526 metres gained.

In a post-game, on-field interview with Channel Seven, Houli was typically team-oriented, eager to express his pride in the performances of the young, inexperienced players in Richmond’s line-up.

“Super, super proud. It’s great to see those young boys step in and play their role,” Houli said.

“That’s a credit to our development, and our coaches that have spent so much time and put in so much effort into developing these young men to become senior players . . .

“It’s just great to be up here with the boys and to continue on with this great journey that we’re on.”