Houli eyes return for Multicultural RoundBy Nathan Schmook
afl.com.au
4:25pm AEST Monday, July 8, 2013RICHMOND defender Bachar Houli is hopeful he will be cleared to return from a hamstring injury for Saturday night's clash against Gold Coast as the Tigers look to end a horror run in Cairns.
The Suns have beaten Richmond in each game of the past two years at Cazalys Stadium, with this week's clash the club's last 'home' game in northern Queensland under the deal.
Houli, who was a late withdrawal against North Melbourne last Saturday, was on hand to launch Multicultural Round on Monday and said he hoped to be part of the celebrations on field.
"I pulled out late last week so hopefully I'll be back, it's a massive round for myself," Houli said. "I'm looking forward to getting back in."
Richmond received a wake-up call against the Kangaroos in round 15, losing by 62 points and suffering a setback in its quest to lock in a finals berth for the first time since 2001.
Houli said it was a good time for a reality check, with the Tigers facing premiership contenders Fremantle, the Sydney Swans and Hawthorn in the next month.
"We had times where we probably should have gone in a bit harder at the contest … there was a lack of intensity at times," he said.
"We've got a massive challenge against Gold Coast, who we haven't had a good run against.
"At the end of the day if you don't bring your attitude and intensity you're not going to get the job done, so that's our biggest focus this week."
Houli has recently been recognised for his work with multicultural communities through the Bachar Houli Islamic Program, which has been shortlisted for an International Beyond Sport Award, in the category 'sport for social inclusion'.
The 25-year-old said the AFL industry had come a long way in cultural inclusion and he hoped to provide opportunities for young Muslim footballers to progress to the highest level.
As the AFL plans a series of events and promotions for this week's Multicultural Round, Houli will begin fasting for the holy month of Ramadan, going without food during daylight hours.
"Nobody really likes to go without food or drink for the most part of the day, but for me I really look forward to this month," he said.
"It's a month where I can sit down, reflect, think, learn a little bit more about religion, and most importantly repent.
"It's a month of worship where we have the chance to go back to God, ask for forgiveness from God and to come out of this month as a better person.
"We all get caught up in our day-to-day jobs and work, which is so important, but it's a good time to sit down and reflect on where we're at as individuals."
http://www.afl.com.au/news/2013-07-08/houli-eyes-return-for-multicultural-round
