Bachar Houli

Bachar Houli (born 12 May 1988) is an Australian rules footballer for Richmond in the Australian Football League (AFL). Houli plays as a midfielder. He is the second devout Muslim to play in the AFL.

Early career

Houli was born in Australia to Lebanese parents. The young left-footer began playing football with Spotswood Football Club Under 12s in 2000. After consulting with a Sheikh, Houli decided to break his Ramadan fast for three days during the physical endurance tests at the AFL Draft Camp; this allowed him to record sufficient times to impress recruiters and be a viable selection in the draft.

Houli has said it was hard growing up a devout Muslim, and playing Australian rules football at the same time. There was little amount of sport being played in Islamic schools, and he had to sneak out when he was young in his earlier years in order to just play games without his parents knowing. His persistence to want to play the sport finally led to his parents accepting and supporting of his talents which led him to become an AFL player.