Bachar Houli - بشار حولي,

[22nd Man]

Great news to hear Bachar is keen to play on!

He’s a running machine who should maintain elite endurance well into his late 30’s.

- Champion bloke
- Good recent form
- No major injury history

No-brainer for me. Doesn’t need to play 25 games to be a positive influence on the club’s ambitions over the next few years.

Item 1 tick - none better
Item 2 question mark - patchy, in his broken season
Item 3 query - has had repeated soft tissue, doubt he can overcome them, remember Delidio

It's a very hard call to not renew I agree. But if we simply take the easy options now we will be Hawthorn for the next 5 years.

 

[Punt n Brunton]

Will be forever grateful to Bachar for his contribution to the success of the RFC during this magnificent era that we have all enjoyed. Champion player, and more importantly, a champion bloke that has helped change the culture of our club.

A fully fit Houli would be a valuable contributor to our team next year, I have no doubt.

However, the lack of continuity with injured players has hurt us this year. Having players come in, go out, never being fully match fit has really hurt our ability to be at our best on any given week. I fear this will be the case with Bachar next year.

If we flip the thinking and make him a backup player only that plays VFL, and only comes in when we have injuries, then it's a maybe. Otherwise, I don't see how him going on helps us with development of our younger players at senior level, or provide continuity in team selection each week.

 

[tigertim]

except a 4th premiership.

So if Bach plays in ‘22 it’s going to deliver a 4th premiership. Nice foresight…..

 

[Brodders17]

So if Bach plays in ‘22 it’s going to deliver a 4th premiership. Nice foresight…..

i dont think he will be the difference, but I am sure he wants to play so he can win his 4th.

 

[Harry]

except a 4th premiership.

I'll get in before Baloo

We'll never win 4 premierships with Houli in the side

 

[Tenacious]

Great news to hear Bachar is keen to play on!

He’s a running machine who should maintain elite endurance well into his late 30’s.

- Champion bloke
- Good recent form
- No major injury history

No-brainer for me. Doesn’t need to play 25 games to be a positive influence on the club’s ambitions over the next few years.

Can achieve that (the “positive influence on the club’s ambitions over the next few years”) as a leader in the VFL team

If Stevie Morris continues - Bachar could be his VC. Otherwise he’d be a great choice as the next skipper.

 

[Quickdraw]

Absolute champion footballer & bloke.

I'd offer Bash another 12 months but on the understanding that he's likely not in the best 22 and would only be tapped to plug and play if we have an injury to a defender.

 

[zippadeee]

Absolute champion footballer & bloke.

I'd offer Bash another 12 months but on the understanding that he's likely not in the best 22 and would only be tapped to plug and play if we have an injury to a defender.

I would have him stay as coach similiar Ballsacks roll at port Adelaide

 

[tigertim]

i dont think he will be the difference, but I am sure he wants to play so he can win his 4th.

Plenty of players want to play in a premiership, doesn't mean you keep them on your list

 

[craig]

Been a wonderful club leader and key performer in the past 5 years.

But its time to bow out a club hero.

We need to stagger the retirements, as there could be a handful of them coming in the next 14 months.

 

[UKTiger]

My only concern with champs like Bachar is they could play one season too long and their game drops off a cliff so slightly tarnishing the great service they have given the team, their mates, the club and the community. We have to keep the Houli legacy around the club but should not expect the same silver service game he has given us for so long

 

[craig]

That statement probably depends on the state of his calves 123.

He popped a calf in the Grand Final and didn't get back until round 4. That's pretty major by any definition and with the number of similar injuries he has had it is likely he is battling lots of scar tissue and is very vulnerable to further occurrence.

Spot on Large Son Of Bull.

The Calves the canary in the coal mine.

Bash has blown his out more than once, on return he had no power, no penetration on his kicking and no burst, and no confidence as he hadn't been able to build the work into his legs.

I think he;s nigh on done, and now is the time, but thats my opinion others will likely differ.

 

[tigerman]

Lids last 4 seasons he played 11, 7, 11 & 14 games, Bachar's last 2 seasons he has played 13 & 12 games.
Lids was 32 in his last season, if Bachar goes around against next year he will be 34.

As much as I'd like for Bachar to go around again, I think he's done.

 

[tigertime2]

We are a charity institution now?

No way he should be given a new contract at RFC.

We need to set up for more success.

Awesome Player Houli. But better off at Gold Coast if he wants to play.

 

[Spirit of Jack]

We are a charity institution now?

No way he should be given a new contract at RFC.

We need to set up for more success.

Awesome Player Houli. But better off at Gold Coast if he wants to play.

Harsh but fair.

 

[achillesjones]

The way Bachar's bandy litle legs have served him so well is a modern day miracle.
He may be done but I wouldn't oppose a games played style contract. This would be fair for club and player.

 

[kiwitiger]

Lids last 4 seasons he played 11, 7, 11 & 14 games, Bachar's last 2 seasons he has played 13 & 12 games.
Lids was 32 in his last season, if Bachar goes around against next year he will be 34.

As much as I'd like for Bachar to go around again, I think he's done.

And I think we have the depth now to cover his position, so yeah , I love Bachar but was a little surprised with this news.

 

[dimmauchump]

Houli needs to get another 12.month contract. As long as he understands playing time will be limited and used in case of injuries. Having someone like Bachar running around in the 2s would be massive for all the youngsters with what he brings cultutally and professionalism. Of course if he is hell bent on playing 22 senior games next year then the tough call needs to be made. Just think we need his type for another 12.months while we transition

 

[year of the tiger]

I think Bash needs to sit down and have a heart to heart with Dave.

Dave has shown a typical team first and humble approach to the end of his illustrious career. Houli has these attributes in spades so I hope he applies them as well.

I want Houli to go out on his own terms and I think from the outside now is the right time.

 

[Al Bundy]

Houli needs to get another 12.month contract. As long as he understands playing time will be limited and used in case of injuries. Having someone like Bachar running around in the 2s would be massive for all the youngsters with what he brings cultutally and professionalism. Of course if he is hell bent on playing 22 senior games next year then the tough call needs to be made. Just think we need his type for another 12.months while we transition

Wonder too if maybe a 12 month contract on min wages plus match payments and help when needed as depth for 1 more year. This way the salary cap is managed better too. Imo though he wont get another contract. Maybe he could look at what Steve Morris does and still be with the club through the VFL