Richmond veteran Bachar Houli has called time on his decorated AFL career after winning three premierships across 232 games.
Houli started his career at Essendon, where he played 26 games between 2007 and 2011 before joining the Tigers in the pre-season draft.
The dashing backman play 206 games and a key role in three flags for the Tigers, finishing runner-up to Dustin Martin for the Norm Smith Medal in both the 2017 and 2019 triumphs.
Houli, who fought through an early calf injury to play an important role in the 2020 grand final win, had previously said he’d hoped to play on next year but called time on Thursday.
“I have been fortunate enough to play at two great clubs and to be a part of the history of this game,” the 33-year-old said in a statement.
“Not only did I want to play as many games as possible but I wanted to educate Australia, about my faith (and) about the religion of Islam, the religion of peace. I hope I have left a sense of peace in everyone’s heart.
“I sincerely thank the club and the AFL for allowing me to be me.
“… It’s time to go fishing, Tiger for life.”
Houli also played a key role off the field at Richmond, founding the Bachar Houli Foundation which works to build young leaders within the Muslim community.
His retirement comes days after fellow defender David Astbury quit, with coach Damien Hardwick hailing both veterans’ influences.
“Both retire three-time premiership players but that’s only really scratching the surface of what both those boys have brought to our club,” Hardwick told reporters on Thursday.
“The legacy that they will leave, and have built, can’t be measured and to be honest, they can’t be replaced.”
Houli was an all-Australian in 2019 and was top 10 of the Jack Dyer Medal – Richmond’s best and fairest – in seven of the past 10 seasons.
He had battled calf injuries over the past two seasons while a syndesmosis injury in round 16 brought his 2021 to an early close.
Charlie Keegan
Roar Guru
I am relatively certain tippa would’ve made his way to an AFL list regardless. He was just motivated to do so by the good management of the Essendon vfl side.
AdamDilligafThompson
Roar Rookie
Some people just don't realise how tough some of these guys have got it, just because they play profession sport and earn a decent dollar doesn't mean they've had things gifted to them or haven't had the same struggles as your average Joe or worse. Hopefully some time off will help him to reboot, he's done so well since getting his chance to show what he's got, if theres only one positive to come from the whole saga at Essendon back then, it would have to be Tippa.
Charlie Keegan
Roar Guru
Tippa had a really rough childhood on the Tiwi islands, has a bad case of abandonment issues because his mum didn’t want to raise him and he has foetal alcohol syndrome on top of that
AdamDilligafThompson
Roar Rookie
Thats understable, hope he pulls through ok. I guess of all the things it could be thats probs the best case scenario if that makes sense, no long term injury or off field problems in a bad sense. Get well soon Tippa.
Charlie Keegan
Roar Guru
Mental health absence. Covid is hitting the indigenous community particularly hard at the moment.
AdamDilligafThompson
Roar Rookie
Any ideas what's up with tippa, he's a big loss for you guys
Chanon
Roar Rookie
Ripe age for wearing the hoops next year & beyond :stoked:
O M
Roar Rookie
Is that a comment about you or Bachar, W? :stoked:
big four sticks
Guest
Houli was a great servant of the club, and he will be missed. I am not surprised that he has made this decision, given that his form started to taper. Time caught up with him. He was unlucky not to win a Norm Smith in 2017. Congratulations on a terrific career.
Angela
Roar Rookie
Bachar Houli, a class act. Courteous, true sportsman, talented player, role model for young men, wonderful Aussie. All the best for the next part of your life Bachar and thanks for everything.
Richard
Guest
Yes I was at that game my son’s first game as a tiger. It was a poor kick but he more than made up for that. What a player what a bloke.
Charlie Keegan
Roar Guru
That’s why the AFL desperately needs to increase the soft cap in 2023
Charlie Keegan
Roar Guru
I’m predicting he will join a hooley dooley cover band
O M
Roar Rookie
Only one Dusty away from two Normies!!
pablocruz
Roar Rookie
Great man, great career! Good luck with life after footy, Bachar.
nics
Roar Rookie
I don't mind Marlion or Shai Bolton too, so that's three in the list.
Nick Maguire
Roar Rookie
Well I thought it was coming, however he must stay involved with the Club in some capacity. His off field contribution is too valuable. Development Coach, welfare, mentor, whatever.
Ace
Roar Rookie
There are half back flankers and then there was Bachar Houli...
Windrince
Roar Rookie
Good luck in retirement. The one Richmond player that I just couldn't hate
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
Richmond's most non-Richmond player :laughing: . I liked how dependable he was.