News

Houli's star shining bright

Wednesday, 26 March 2008
for essendonfc.com.au
Page 1 of 1

He may only have five senior games under his belt, but Bachar Houli is already a cult figure in the AFL. After racking up 26 possessions in Essendon’s clash with the Kangaroos on the weekend and today adding a Rising Star nomination to his list of accolades, Houli’s status in the game is expected to rise even further in 2008.

However, it is not only his exceptional football ability that sets Houli apart. The 19-year old is mature and diligent beyond his tender years which has been a welcome inclusion around Windy Hill and he was humble today when speaking of his latest achievement.

“It was great to get a win at the end of the day,” Houli said.

“To get 26 touches as an individual effort is enormous for me but that only stemmed from the team and the support that my teammates have provided and the confidence they have given me when they give me the ball.

“Overall it was just brilliant to get a win for all my teammates but most importantly for our new coach when we look back at the pre-season and how hard we have all worked.

“We as a team want to get the most out of ourselves and I think the end result in Round 1 has come from our hard work over the pre-season. That being said, we have to give it all we have got – there is no point working hard for four or five months only to slacken off.”

Despite the nomination earmarking Houli as a potential future star of the game, he does not believe any additional pressure will stem from it.

“It is good to get it out of the way nice and early and allows me to focus on the games to come,” Houli said.

“I don’t feel any pressure at all. I received a lot of media attention last year but you just have to stay level headed and keep your mind set for each week and not get ahead of yourself.

“Obviously the support from the boys and the coaching staff will help me to remain focused and to do what we as a team do best and that is to play competitive football and give ourselves the best opportunity to play September footy.”

Houli is hopeful his stellar form from last week will flow into this week’s game against Geelong at the Dome and is excited at the thought of testing his skills against the benchmark of the competition.

“We have a huge challenge again this week taking on the reigning Premiers,” he said.

“They are a great team and they obviously have the great result of a Premiership fresh in their minds. This week will be a huge test for us.

“We have both got great speed as a feature of our game styles and we expect a great turn-out for what shapes up to be an exciting match.”

Essendon fans are reminded that this week’s match against Geelong is a fully ticketed match and seats need to be purchased prior to the match. For more information contact Ticketmaster on 136 100.

PLAYER PROFILE: Bachar Houli

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