Author Topic: Bachar Houli [merged]  (Read 394520 times)

Offline Dont Argue

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Re: Bachar Houli offered one-year deal by Richmond [update]
« Reply #1440 on: August 22, 2019, 05:45:08 PM »

How dare he complain.
He owes us so much and is old.
You’re not related to Graeme Richmond are you?

 :lol

No I am not and IMHO I actually don't think he has anything to "complain" about

But there are somethings that are not a good look played out in the media

Contract "discussions" are one ....

All due respect WP, but there is nothing humble in your opinion whatsoever.
In fact quite arrogantly, you're suggesting that a fabulous footballer for RFC and a family man with two kids, has nothing to complain about? Imagine if your boss said that to you when your contract expired or you were asking for job security or a pay rise?
You are obviously unhappy that he played it out in the media which I half get. But he was asked a direct question, and Bachar is so straight, that he gave an honest answer. Fool is he!!
It's not as if he called a press conference to air his dirty linen.
And when you say he is past his peak, his stats would tell one otherwise.

Offline WilliamPowell

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Re: Bachar Houli offered one-year deal by Richmond [update]
« Reply #1441 on: August 22, 2019, 06:59:28 PM »


All due respect WP, but there is nothing humble in your opinion whatsoever.
In fact quite arrogantly, you're suggesting that a fabulous footballer for RFC and a family man with two kids, has nothing to complain about? Imagine if your boss said that to you when your contract expired or you were asking for job security or a pay rise?
You are obviously unhappy that he played it out in the media which I half get. But he was asked a direct question, and Bachar is so straight, that he gave an honest answer. Fool is he!!
It's not as if he called a press conference to air his dirty linen.
And when you say he is past his peak, his stats would tell one otherwise.

Hold on a minute,  with respect where did I say he was past his peak? I never said that. I said that he is near to end of his career than the start. At 30 that's a fair call isn't it? Same applies to a number of other players, want me to name them?

Compared to players who are going to get flicked or are waiting for some sort of clarity, then IMO he hasn't got anything to complain about. He is going to be recontracted (rightly) that is a given. Others are not going to be that fortunate. And they are in limbo

You are correct I personally find it disappointing when contract stuff creates media noise just outside of finals.

Yep he was asked a question but now anytime he is doing media it keeps getting asked. Is this good for Bachar and the club? Wouldnt think so. Sometimes playing a straight bat rather than creating a media free for all is in everyone's best interests. And playing  straight bat doesn't mean lying either

Bachar is a terrific guy, a gentleman truth be known and a tremendous player but I reckon he's got this wrong. It doesn't matter the player my view on this would be the same

As for how I would feel?  Had more kicks in my working life than I care to remember. It is what it is.
"Oh yes I am a dreamer, I still see us flying high!"

from the song "Don't Walk Away" by Pat Benatar 1988 (Wide Awake In Dreamland)

Offline Dont Argue

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Re: Bachar Houli offered one-year deal by Richmond [update]
« Reply #1442 on: August 22, 2019, 07:18:42 PM »


All due respect WP, but there is nothing humble in your opinion whatsoever.
In fact quite arrogantly, you're suggesting that a fabulous footballer for RFC and a family man with two kids, has nothing to complain about? Imagine if your boss said that to you when your contract expired or you were asking for job security or a pay rise?
You are obviously unhappy that he played it out in the media which I half get. But he was asked a direct question, and Bachar is so straight, that he gave an honest answer. Fool is he!!
It's not as if he called a press conference to air his dirty linen.
And when you say he is past his peak, his stats would tell one otherwise.

Hold on a minute,  with respect where did I say he was past his peak? I never said that. I said that he is near to end of his career than the start. At 30 that's a fair call isn't it? Same applies to a number of other players, want me to name them?



Check your wording. You said passed his prime. Well if you’re playing great football, you’re not passed your prime, so you’d be wrong. You decline after you’ve peaked and Bachar is currently peaking
As for you having plenty of work set backs, the question was would you be happy for your partner or friends/supporters putting in print that you’ve got nothing to complain about. Little unsupportive to me but maybe I’m overly sensitive. Or a non Bachar basher

Offline WilliamPowell

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Re: Bachar Houli offered one-year deal by Richmond [update]
« Reply #1443 on: August 22, 2019, 10:37:00 PM »

Check your wording. You said passed his prime. Well if you’re playing great football, you’re not passed your prime, so you’d be wrong. You decline after you’ve peaked and Bachar is currently peaking
As for you having plenty of work set backs, the question was would you be happy for your partner or friends/supporters putting in print that you’ve got nothing to complain about. Little unsupportive to me but maybe I’m overly sensitive. Or a non Bachar basher

Checked my wording which was

Bachar, you are just on 30 closer to the end of your career than the beginning or prime. Club's priority has to be signing the younger long termers


Please tell me where I used the term "passed his prime"? I didn't. Every player who is near 30 is closer to the end of their career than the beginning and as stats show the years 25-28 are the prime years for footballers.

In your opinion he is peaking and that's fine, it's your opinion

I think he is playing very good footy but in my opinion his 2017 season reamins his best by a fair margin and is better than he is playing now

And please don't accuse me of being a Bachar basher. Yes I've been critical at times, like I am with all players but I
Always give reasons . But bash him for the sake of it, no I don't.

And as for your comment about my work situation and the kicks and support or lack of. Been there, didn't like but as I said it is what it is. Teaches you alot

"Oh yes I am a dreamer, I still see us flying high!"

from the song "Don't Walk Away" by Pat Benatar 1988 (Wide Awake In Dreamland)

Offline Dont Argue

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Re: Bachar Houli offered one-year deal by Richmond [update]
« Reply #1444 on: August 22, 2019, 11:01:09 PM »

Check your wording. You said passed his prime. Well if you’re playing great football, you’re not passed your prime, so you’d be wrong. You decline after you’ve peaked and Bachar is currently peaking
As for you having plenty of work set backs, the question was would you be happy for your partner or friends/supporters putting in print that you’ve got nothing to complain about. Little unsupportive to me but maybe I’m overly sensitive. Or a non Bachar basher

Checked my wording which was

Bachar, you are just on 30 closer to the end of your career than the beginning or prime. Club's priority has to be signing the younger long termers


Please tell me where I used the term "passed his prime"? I didn't. Every player who is near 30 is closer to the end of their career than the beginning and as stats show the years 25-28 are the prime years for footballers.

In your opinion he is peaking and that's fine, it's your opinion

I think he is playing very good footy but in my opinion his 2017 season reamins his best by a fair margin and is better than he is playing now

And please don't accuse me of being a Bachar basher. Yes I've been critical at times, like I am with all players but I
Always give reasons . But bash him for the sake of it, no I don't.

And as for your comment about my work situation and the kicks and support or lack of. Been there, didn't like but as I said it is what it is. Teaches you alot

Sorry WP but what exactly do you mean then when you claim?:
Bachar, you are just on 30 closer to the end of your career than the beginning or prime

To me you are saying he's near the end of his career and past his prime. !0 out of 10 people would read it that way?
You then attempt to use statistics rather than form to base your argument that he should be passed his prime based on age.
I'm only getting stuck into you because you deny saying something by twisting its meaning. Read your words carefully again please.
IMHO he's playing his best football this year and as the man himself confirmed, statistics back this fact up.
Didn't mean to call you personally a Bachar basher. Just a very nitpicking poster


Offline WilliamPowell

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Re: Bachar Houli offered one-year deal by Richmond [update]
« Reply #1445 on: August 23, 2019, 07:24:21 AM »

Sorry WP but what exactly do you mean then when you claim?:
Bachar, you are just on 30 closer to the end of your career than the beginning or prime

To me you are saying he's near the end of his career and past his prime. !0 out of 10 people would read it that way?
You then attempt to use statistics rather than form to base your argument that he should be passed his prime based on age.
I'm only getting stuck into you because you deny saying something by twisting its meaning. Read your words carefully again please.
IMHO he's playing his best football this year and as the man himself confirmed, statistics back this fact up.
Didn't mean to call you personally a Bachar basher. Just a very nitpicking poster

Sorry but I don't need to read my words carefully again. I have explained what I mean but it seems you don't like or don't want to understand my point. I'm not asking you agree

You accuse me of twisting words. I'd argue the same thing

Did I say he is near the end of his career? No, I said closer to end and at 30 not really sure you can dispute that. Is he not more likely to have 2 maybe 3 years left and not 12 he has already played? So isn't that closer to the end than the beginning? Or are you suggesting he's going to pay until he 40? So by definition he is closer to the end than the beginning and his prime years IMV. Don't know how much clearer I can be.

Don't know how many times I have to say I've got no issue with the contract extension. But you seem to miss that bit

You view is he playing his best footy this year, my view is he isn't as my opinion is he was better in 2017.

You use statistics to back up your view as fact but it appears I'm not allowed the same courtesy.

Statistics show in footy that he majority of players are at their peak between 25-28. I have always agreed with that. Yes some players maintain the standard at 30 and pass it but the number who go on too long past that age is becoming mpre pronounced IMO.

So based
"Oh yes I am a dreamer, I still see us flying high!"

from the song "Don't Walk Away" by Pat Benatar 1988 (Wide Awake In Dreamland)

Offline Go Richo 12

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Re: Bachar Houli offered one-year deal by Richmond [update]
« Reply #1446 on: August 23, 2019, 07:31:10 AM »
At 30 years of age Bachar is closer to the end than the start of his career, that is obvious. But, even though he is in great form, when the decline starts for players over 30 it is usually rapid.

Offline Tigeritis™©®

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Re: Bachar Houli offered one-year deal by Richmond [update]
« Reply #1447 on: August 23, 2019, 10:07:12 AM »
D.A - 1.
W.P - 0.

WP, everyone knows you don’t argue with Don’t Argue!  :rollin
The club that keeps giving.

Offline WilliamPowell

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Re: Bachar Houli offered one-year deal by Richmond [update]
« Reply #1448 on: August 23, 2019, 01:15:52 PM »
D.A - 1.
W.P - 0.

WP, everyone knows you don’t argue with Don’t Argue!  :rollin

I'll pay that  :thumbsup
"Oh yes I am a dreamer, I still see us flying high!"

from the song "Don't Walk Away" by Pat Benatar 1988 (Wide Awake In Dreamland)

Offline yandb

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Re: Bachar Houli offered one-year deal by Richmond [update]
« Reply #1449 on: August 23, 2019, 10:28:22 PM »
Some of Bachar's improvement this year has come on the back of a change if how statistics are recorded.

I believe that the kick out is now recorded as a possession to the kicker as is the metres gained.

So in the course of a match that would be about 5 more possessions and 250 metres gained.

That aside Bachar is still playing very good football this year.

Offline big tone

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Re: Bachar Houli [merged]
« Reply #1450 on: August 25, 2019, 10:51:04 AM »
I’ll give ya 3 so watch the replay and try to find the other 2. But considering you opened with saying he had 5 goals kicked on him and you watch him closer than most should you really need to watch the replay?

I’m saying that using who is standing next to who when the ball is bounced after a goal is a ridiculous way of pointing out who was manning them up when the goal was kicked.

For example:
- A player may be playing loose in the backline but given the 666 has to be standing next to an opponent when a ball is bounced. That doesn’t mean he was manning him when the goal was kicked.
- A player could literally be sitting on the bench when a goal is kicked and then come onto the field for the bounce and stand next to the goalkicker.

You seem to be living in the past of how footy was played in the 80s. As much as you hate to hear it is very rare that defenders will match up 1 on 1 against opposition forwards, instead using a team system approach to beat them. Where I do agree with you is the 2 goals Cripps kicked in the last qtr were essentially from loose checking from stoppages.

But what you seem to be missing are a couple of fundamental elements of what make us successful:
1. 1on1 defending isn’t the only way to defend the opposition. Forcing turnover and getting intercept possession is key in today’s game and is essentially what we base our whole game around and what we do better than any team in the competition. Houli is ranked 3rd at the club for intercept possessions i.e directly winning the ball back from the opposition. If that’s not defending I don’t know what is.
2. Another key aspect of our game style is taking risks at stoppages and in general play to run forward of the play believing that their teammates will win the ball. This is essentially the Richmond surge im sure you hear the media talk about on a daily basis. This obviously comes with the risk that In the cases where the ball isn’t won, they face a tough task getting back into position.
Apologies for the delay- only had a chance this morning to rewatch the replay.

So this is what I can see from the replay

6:35 to go in the first
Houli trails Rioli to a marking contest and he kicks a goal

2:34 left in the first
Houli’s effort in the centre of the ground was atrocious- basically walked towards our backline after running forward of the ball, and Cripps kicks the goal
Not 100% sure it was Houli’s man but I remember at the ground thinking it was as he went and stood next to him at the next centre square ball up without any conversation with teammates potentially swapping opponents. 
I even remember posting on here in the game thread for Houli to man up after that goal.

7:19 left in the third
Houli clearly on Cripps at a ball up and Cripps snaps a goal

9:17 left to go in the fourth
Houli clearly on Cripps at a ball up and Cripps snaps a goal again
Just showed him no respect- went towards the footy and let Cripps get a 3 meter gap

So I’ll say 3 definitely, 1 I’m 90% sure on and 1 more that I’m 50% sure on.
The reply just doesn’t show it clearly enough to be sure on the last two.

For me the point is if it’s 3, 4, or 5, it’s too many, especially against good teams.
Winning hides all sorts of short comings but I bet if we lose that game questions are asked.
We won by a goal so IMO we need to tighten up.

Anyway let’s hope today goes the way we all want it to go.  :thumbsup



Offline one-eyed

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Re: Bachar Houli offered one-year deal by Richmond [update]
« Reply #1451 on: August 25, 2019, 11:52:54 AM »
Keeping the faith on and off the field

Sam McClure
The Age
25 Aug 2019


On the Friday of round one, the majority of Richmond and Carlton players would have been waking up battered and bruised after another exciting season-opener at the MCG.

New Tigers recruit Tom Lynch would have been reminiscing about his three-goal debut, while Patrick Cripps made the early running in the Brownlow Medal race.

But Bachar Houli was in tears.

That day, having collected 24 disposals and tearing his hamstring with five minutes left in the game the night before, Houli was landing in New Zealand, to meet with the families who had been affected by the Christchurch massacre, where a gunman killed 51 people a week earlier.

Houli was invited to New Zealand by rugby union star and local sports royalty Sonny Bill Williams,  and the two visited and spent time with mothers, fathers, sons and daughters who had lost beloved family members, friends and community members, as well as victims who had survived the horrific ordeal.

"I had tears, but they were actually joyful tears," Houli told the Sunday Age, as he reflected on attending a funeral service in which 27 of those who had died were laid to rest.

"No one wants to see their family members pass away and leave this world but I come from a faith that we believe that we belong to God, and to God we shall return.

"The greatest thing that these families had in their mind is that there is no better way to leave this world than in a state of worship.

"These young men and women were in a state of worship at the mosque at the most blessed time of the week being a Friday.

"They were in the state of prayer … there is no better way to pass away, to be quite honest."

After the service, Houli and Williams went out for ice cream with some survivors and family members who had lost loved ones.

Houli began talking to a young man in his mid 20s. He soon became aware that he had lost his three-year-old brother, who had been praying next to him in one of the mosques attacked.

"According to his brother, this young child would always be dressed by his mum for Friday prayers and be put in specific clothing," Houli explained.

"But that day, he chose a specific gown and he wanted to wear it and it was white. White indicates purity and light, so it's like he knew that he was going."

Before the ice cream was finished, Houli was told another story, of a father and son who had driven to the mosque but had accidentally arrived early.

The father turned the car around and drove back home. Once he and his son got back in the car to return, his car radio relayed the information of the shooting.

"So there you go," Houli said, "his time wasn't up, whereas others, their time is up."

Houli spoke glowingly about the Tigers encouraging him to travel to Christchurch, despite his hamstring injury.

"I raised it to both [AFL chief executive] Gillon [McLachlan] and the club," Houli said.

"They were extremely supportive, they said, 'We are willing to do whatever you want and whatever it takes to support you because this is important'."

It was barely 24 hours before Houli was back home in Melbourne with his wife and two daughters.

He had offered support to victims of one of the most harrowing ordeals in recent global history, and by Sunday he was back at training.

"It was one of the most amazing experiences of my life," Houli said.

Houli's perspective is organic. The devout Muslim and keen fisherman finds solace in his faith and gratitude for the life he's been handed.

It's why you believe Houli when he said he wasn't "overly stressed" that he was yet to be given a contract extension by Richmond, despite his honest frustration.

It was later revealed by The Age that both parties are now working confidently towards a one-year deal to keep Houli at Punt Road in 2020.

If and when Houli signs on with Richmond for 2020, he'll be entering his 14th season at the highest level and he, by his own admission, believes he's playing the best football of his career.

Although never one to fish for compliments, Houli will literally drop a line whenever he can, getting out on his boat at least once a week to mentally unwind.

The luxury of having a decent boat isn't lost on Houli, who grew up fishing off the Altona pier with his older brother, or any area they could sneak into.

"There were no boundaries when it came to fishing, anywhere we could get to we would just fish," he reminisced as he told story after story of he and his brother jumping fences on to private jetties.

"The better fishing spots are the ones that are harder to get into. By the time you get caught by security, there was a bucket full of fish!

"Obviously I can't get away with that sort of stuff any more," Houli smiled.

He certainly can't. Not with 200 AFL games under his belt and a beard that's now got its own following. Even his NAB Mini Legend Jake found it tough to replicate the perfectly maintained facial hair.

On Sunday, it will be the Tigers who will be trying to maintain their winning run against the rampant Brisbane Lions.

Incredibly, the Lions will be going for their 10th win on the trot, while Richmond are one behind and will be aiming to make it nine from their last nine.

But as the 2017 premiers gear up for a charge into September, Houli has sent an ominous warning to the rest of the competition.

"It feels like we still haven't played our top footy, we haven't peaked yet."

"We had a better year last year than 2017, from the perspective of the season as a whole but the reality is, if you're not good enough on that final stage then there's no prizes for second or third best.

"We still viewed the season as a success. It does burn a little bit because we've tasted success and then it got taken away from us. We're hungry for success just like every other team."

https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/keeping-the-faith-on-and-off-the-field-20190824-p52kci.html

Offline one-eyed

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Re: Bachar Houli offered one-year deal by Richmond [update]
« Reply #1452 on: August 26, 2019, 10:20:46 PM »
Caro just mentioned that within 30 mins of Houli making his comments on the news, a contract offer was placed on his manager's desk.

Offline one-eyed

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Re: Bachar Houli offered one-year deal by Richmond [update]
« Reply #1453 on: September 01, 2019, 04:48:59 AM »
Tigers' Houli closing on new AFL contract

Anna Harrington
Canberra Times
30 Aug 2019


Richmond defender Bachar Houli says he's confident he will re-sign with the Tigers sooner rather than later.

Houli remains uncontracted for 2020 despite a stellar season that has seen him claim his first All Australian guernsey.

"Yeah, I think it's (a new contract) not too far. I'm sure the club's working with my management to get the deal done," Houli said on Friday.

"But hopefully something should be done pretty soon."

Houli earned his maiden All Australian selection off the back of a career-best season where has has averaged 28.4 disposals and 6.3 marks playing across half-back.

The 31-year-old wouldn't be drawn on whether his recent honour would affect his contract situation but said he was "humbled" by his selection alongside teammate Dylan Grimes.

"I'm extremely humbled by it, I'm sure Dylan is as well," he said.

"It's something that was ... (a) last second thing and it's truly an honour and it's something that I'll cherish probably later part of my career - I mean, it is the later part of my career - probably after football where you know, you kind of reflect on achievements etcetera.

"But, you know, the great thing is we've achieved the grand final (in 2017), which was very, very special ... definitely the highest achievement that someone can achieve and hopefully we can back that up in the near future as well."

The Tigers will head to Brisbane next week for their qualifying final at the Gabba, having spent their past seven games at the MCG.

Houli said Richmond would relish the opportunity to face the Lions for the second time in three weeks.

"I don't think there's much difference apart from the travel component of it that we'll prepare as normal as every game," he said.

"Apparently it's a very similar deck to the MCG in terms of size. That's what Dimma (Damien Hardwick) mentioned last week, so we've travelled pretty well along our journey - we'll take a lot of confidence out of that and prepare as normal.

"We've been in the same situation or the same place for a few years now. And you know, we're just excited for another opportunity and obviously another chance to play against a real, real quality team."

https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/6357751/tigers-houli-closing-on-new-afl-contract/

Offline one-eyed

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Re: Bachar Houli offered one-year deal by Richmond [update]
« Reply #1454 on: September 03, 2019, 07:56:25 PM »
BACHAR HOULI

The Tigers have lodged an offer with Houli, who was understandably miffed to have little security despite a year in which he has just been awarded All Australian status.

Most likely will only sign a one-year deal, but the likes of Kade Simpson have survived well into his playing career signing single-season deals.

https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/trades-unplugged-superfooty-trade-experts-look-at-where-the-big-names-will-be-playing-next-season/news-story/05d5f3999bdd0c8fb69882704c019905