By Tom Ingleton
Former AFL premiership player Bachar Houli is making a surprising return to local football, joining the Newport for the upcoming season in the Western Football League.
Despite his decorated AFL career with Richmond, which included three premierships, Houli had firmly believed his playing days were over.
“I never thought this day would come,” he admitted. “When I finished playing AFL, I said to myself, there’s no way I’ll put the boots back on. My mates and my foundation were all very surprised when that announcement happened.”
Houli, who has strong connections to Newport, is embracing the transition back to grassroots footy but acknowledges the adjustment from AFL to local level has been significant.
“It’s been good, but it’s a bit different to be honest. It’s hard when you come from an elite environment,” he said. “It’s taking me a while to get used to the messaging, the drills, the organisation, but I’ve just got to take a step back and realise that it’s just local football.”
While many expect Houli’s on-field experience to be a huge asset, he is more focused on his off-field contributions.
“I’m not really fussed about the on field performance and the contributions I can potentially have, for me it’s all about off the field and what I can do from a values perspective and just being true to yourself.”
Having recently recovered from a serious car accident, Houli remains uncertain about his playing future.
“My body is feeling good. I surprised myself; I didn’t think I would get this far. I committed and said I’ll do whatever I can, but that’s not a guarantee I’ll play round one, you just don’t know with old bodies these days” he joked.
Newport’s elevation to division 1 football for the first time has added excitement to the club, and Houli sees plenty of promise within the squad.
“The club is in a great position now. We’re all excited, and we have some amazing talent. We just have to come together, and that’s going to take time.”
Much of that young talent has ties to Houli’s own foundation, which has mentored countless young Muslim footballers over the years.
“Part of me being at the footy club is I’ve got so many of the under-18 boys and those who have just graduated from under-18s,” he said. “They came through the Bachar Houli Foundation.
“I’ve grown up seeing a lot of these kids since they were 12 and have mentored them throughout their life. Sometimes it can be a bit awkward for a 17-year-old to pick up the phone and call Bachar Houli, but I tell them, ‘Please, there’s no time when I won’t pick up the phone and help.”
Newport kicks off its season on Saturday at Langshaws Reserve, against the club where Houli was drafted from, Spotswood.
