Bachar Houli - بشار حولي, | PUNT ROAD END | Richmond Tigers Forum
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Bachar Houli - بشار حولي,

Baloo said:
I couldn't find a dedicated Bachar thread now that he's one of ours. Mods feel free to merge if I missed one.

Saw this snippet from RFCO on BF:

"Good sign from yesterday, once Bachar finished and came 2nd he had a 30 second break, went back and started running to the finish line with the guys that were still running."

I didn't realise he did almost the exact same last year!
 
2011: Richmond has been know for wasted PSD picks. Bachar Houli will go down as one of the better PSD picks the club has ever had. Houli & Grigg are the by products of Blair Hartley’s ability to pick out under utilized talents from other clubs. Getting Houli at no cost was a master stroke in list improvement. And Houli’s talent for finding space and being the link-man was something that Richmond have lacked for years. Houli ranked 9th for uncontested marks and 15th for uncontested ball. His ability to peel off and find himself in space was a revelation. Plugging in a ready made running defender with a long kick made a huge difference to the ball movement from the defensive 50. The most surprising thing about Houli was ability to cover the ground. His long striding pace packaged with his ability to find space made him a real weapon. He runs hard to link up and wants to get the football in his hands. 2011 was his first year of playing over 10 games and he didn’t struggle. He got better as the year went on and finished top 4 in the B&F. Houli did come with question marks regarding his intensity and willingness to take on the contest. Both were answered. Not only did Houli provide drive with the ball but he also become a vastly improved defensive footballer. He is only behind Trent Cotchin for his ability to get a quick hand into a contest to keep the ball alive in the contest. I would not be surprised to see Houli in the leadership[ group in the next couple of years. By Champion Data’s stats Houli ranked as a elite defender. Another weapon in the back half that allows Brett Deledio to push forward and improve the midfield. The domino effect of getting one core footballer at no cost is huge. You only need to get lucky in the draft and trading process once or twice for things to look very different, very quickly. The game versus Sydney was his best for the year and showcased all facets of his game.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xodsPPbN4Xg

2012: The surprise factor will be gone for Houli in 2012. Other teams will definitely be preparing for him and trying to curb his impact. It will be interesting to see how he responds. I think he still has a lot of improvement left in him. He has only played 48 games at the elite level. I think he could become one of the premier running defenders in the game. At only 23 he fits perfectly into the playing group that will take us forward. When picking a side that could have sustained finals success, I most definitely have Houli penciled in.
 
Well summed up. As an aside, I love how in the wet, he makes it look bone dry.

Outside linkmen can often be considered front-runners, but I reckon Houli played his best football when the side was on. the back foot
 
Agree with all that Scoop. He has been a great pick up.

But like you said clubs will be paying more attention to him this year. Even more so if Lids is moved to the midfield. It will be interesting to see how he copes with that.
 
SCOOP said:
Houli’s talent for finding space and being the link-man was something that Richmond have lacked for years.
This is a very important aspect of his game. There are players who invariably find space and provide an outlet, Houli is one of those. We haven't had a player like that for a long time, especially one who kicks well also.
 
Other teams will definitely be more aware of the damage he can cause, ala Gilbee for the dogs. Will try and take him deep in the forward line to reduce his rebound and expose any defensive weaknesses. Is a very fit boy though so should be able to stay involved.

If he continues to improve the defensive side of his game will be one of the better off-season moves ever done by the tigers.

Was not a fan of his drafting but he has proved a brilliant selection so far and is now a crucial component.

The other big thing is his character, as many have said he is a real leader and complete professional who will set a level for others to follow.
 
If he stays in defence it will be interesting to see if teams try to isolate him in the goal square. That would be a test.
 
Thats the great thing about blokes that can kick like Houli, you can shut them out of the game or push them back further down the field - but they can always hit a target.

Houli can hit targets anywhere on the ground, whether he spots up leading players or bombs it for goal from outside 50m. Watching his developement at richmond with anticipation.
 
good post, the interesting thing is that Houli and Deledio are our 2 most damaging HBF, but will either of them play there?
Our backline is starting to look like a hard place to get into,
Rance, Grimes, Batchelor (if he playes there) and another tall (Post/Mcguan) leaves 2 spots, with ellis and Morris looking like they will come on and Dea improving where do Newman, Lids and Houli play?
All three could find themselves in the middle??
 
spook said:
If he stays in defence it will be interesting to see if teams try to isolate him in the goal square. That would be a test.

And that's the key to having six backman who can all run, carry and kick. If you do, teams don't try that.

I think Ellis will help this also.
 
Tango said:
good post, the interesting thing is that Houli and Deledio are our 2 most damaging HBF, but will either of them play there?
Our backline is starting to look like a hard place to get into,
Rance, Grimes, Batchelor (if he playes there) and another tall (Post/Mcguan) leaves 2 spots, with ellis and Morris looking like they will come on and Dea improving where do Newman, Lids and Houli play?
All three could find themselves in the middle??

We usually play a 7 man defence so there will be room for one more.
 
while there is prob no reason to move Houli,
I wouldnt mind seeing how he would go as a lead up HFF, playing the role that White plays when he isnt tagging.
Houli's running and delivery could be a good offensive weapon around half forward and across the wings, and also provide a good get out option coming out of the backline.

as said though I imagine Houli will continue to spend most if his time in the back half, possibly occasionally as a winger who sweeps back.
 
Leysy Days said:
We usually play a 7 man defence so there will be room for one more.

Yes but the 7th man is usually a winger :cutelaugh
when we are good enough we should stick to 6
 
spook said:
If he stays in defence it will be interesting to see if teams try to isolate him in the goal square. That would be a test.

Fair point that. Bruce is a little weak defensively and does float handballs under pressure. If he can address his weaknesses though, we will have an even better player on our hands.
 
spook said:
If he stays in defence it will be interesting to see if teams try to isolate him in the goal square. That would be a test.

Recruiting a player like Morris helps too - a switch in this event will keep Houli further up the ground.
 
has great disposal by foot but his handwork is just as great - clean, one touch, bullet handballs. runs to receive at every opportunity which is a quality I rate highly.
 
I was uber impressed that he won the time trials over the off season. Now established, it appears to wants to take his game to the next level.
Think I'm safe in saying that at a C80 function last year, he said he'd like to model his game on Heath Shaw. He's well on the way to achieving it.
Agree on the leadership calls too. Bachar appears a footballer now comfortable in his own skin at Tigerland. The club and fans have embraced him wholely.
Well done Mr Hartley & well done Bach!

PS: Always a great read Scoop.