Rebounding Richmond backman, Bachar Houli, will continue to focus on improving the defensive aspects of his game in 2014.

Houli, who is coming off his third top-10 placing in the Jack Dyer Medal, in three seasons at Richmond (4^th in 2011, equal 10^th in 2012 and 10^th this year) after moving from Essendon, was pleased with the gains he made defensively throughout this year.

“Individually, I thought my season was pretty good.  One focus I made during pre-season was to get better defensively – spoiling and becoming more accountable for my man, especially playing on the half-back line,” Houli said.

“At times, I can be a little bit too offensive, but defensively is one area that I’ve improved in this year, and I’m looking forward to keep improving next season.

“It’s definitely an important area to get right . . . the balance is so important.

“We know, offensively, trying to deliver the ball to the forwards and kicking goals is very important.  But defence is just as important as well.

“If your man kicks three or four goals on you, and you set up two or three, I think you’re going to be drilled a little bit more by the coaches.

“So, that’s one area I wanted to focus on, and I don’t think I had too many goals scored against me this year.  There were games where I had a couple of goals scored on me, but all players have those hiccups.

“Overall, I thought there was a good balance (between defence and attack) this year.”

As much as Houli has carved an impressive niche for himself across half-back in the Tigers’ line-up, he does have some other on-field aspirations.

“I love playing at the Richmond Football Club, and whether I’m playing forward, mid, back or on the bench, it’s just great to be a part of a strong team.  But if you ask me for a preferred position, I’d love to see myself playing on-ball, probably on the wing, more so,” he said.

“I’ve kind of found my position off the half-back line.  I really enjoy it, and it’s helped me improve the defensive side of my game.

“Moving forward, hopefully next year I can play a couple of games on the wing, to have that extra side to my game and that extra flexibility.  So, if I’m needed more offensively, I can play on the wing and kick a few more goals and set up a few as well.”

Houli also is keen to take on more leadership responsibility at Tigerland in 2014 . . .

“I see my role as a leader in the coming years as very important, particularly with the first and second-year players,” he said.

“It’s something that I’m really going to focus on next year.

“I’ve played 90-plus games now, so I see myself as a leader at the Club.”