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| Personal information | |
|---|---|
| Birth | 12 May 1988 |
| Recruited from | Western Jets |
| Height and weight | 180cm / 85kg |
| Playing career¹ | |
| Debut | 11 May 2007, Essendon Bombers vs. North Melbourne Football Club, at Telstra Dome |
| Team(s) | Essendon Bombers (2007-)
21 games, 7 goals |
| ¹ Statistics to end of 2009 season | |
| Career highlights | |
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Bachar Houli (born 12 May 1988) is an Australian rules footballer.
Houli plays as a midfielder and was drafted at pick 42 in the 2006 National Draft to the Essendon Football Club in the AFL. He currently wears the number 43 guernsey for the club. He is the first devout Muslim to play at AFL level.[1]
Houli was born in Australia to Lebanese parents. He played junior football with Spotswood under 12s.[2]
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.
Bachar played four games for the Bombers in 2007 and kicked three goals. After his impressive performances in the Bombers 2008 NAB Cup he was selected for the Bombers Round 1 team to play the Kangaroos. He played an important part in helping the Bombers secure a 55 point victory and received the first round nomination for the AFL Rising Star award.[3]
Houli has become a leading influence for many young Australian Muslims; his dedication and commitment to his AFL career has enabled him to become a primary figure in his Muslim community. Houli's role has been likened to that of Hazem El Masri in the Rugby League community. Adem Yze, a Melbourne Demons regular from 1995 to 2007, was one of the first Muslim Aussie Rules players at AFL level, and Houli has stated his desire to follow in Yze's footsteps.On the 28th of September 2009, Bachar married Rouba Abou-Zeid.[4]
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   | Bachar's video interview with The Age - The face of Islam - The Age |
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