Richmond hunts Dons midfielder Greg Denham
The Australian
September 16, 2010 RICHMOND will add to its midfield next year by acquiring out-of-contract Bomber Bachar Houli.
Negotiations between the Tigers and Houli's management are well down the track to secure the disgruntled 22-year-old, who failed to play regularly in the past three years at Windy Hill under recently sacked coach Matthew Knights.
Richmond, which has plenty of room to manoeuvre within its salary cap, is in discussions with several players at rival clubs to switch to Punt Road following the retirement of Brownlow medallist Ben Cousins.
The Tigers hope to recruit Houli via a trade next month, or push him through to the pre-season draft where he could be contracted to them without Essendon receiving any compensation.
In the December pre-season draft, the Tigers, who finished 15th this year, have second pick of the current clubs.
Houli only has to slip past the Gold Coast and wooden-spooner West Coast to be available to be drafted by Richmond.
A popular player with Essendon supporters who often queried his non-selection, Houli is likely to be offered an initial two-year contract to switch clubs.
The outside midfielder has attracted first-year Richmond coach Damien Hardwick's attention with his foot skills and ability to accumulate possessions, particularly against strong opposition.
Houli was one of 39 players used at senior level this season by the Bombers, but played only five games, spending most of the season in the VFL.
He averaged 20 possessions this season, with his best performances being against top-eight clubs Carlton, with 25 disposals in round three, and St Kilda, where he gathered 24 touches and took seven marks in round 18.
The third-round selection in the 2006 national draft has played 26 games in his four years at Windy Hill, and overcame a fractured leg last year.
He was a Rising Star nomination in 2008 when he played 10 games.
Houli, born in Australia to Lebanese parents, is the first devout Muslim to play AFL.
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/sport/richmond-hunts-dons-midfielder/story-e6frg7mf-1225924289184
