The Melbourne Cricket Club wishes to join the Richmond Football Club and the wider community in congratulating three-time Premiership player and founder of one of the Club’s cherished community partners, Bachar Houli on his outstanding playing career.
His 232-game career spanned 15 years at the top level, and Bachar leaves as one of the game's most consistent performers, who relished the big stage.His legacy will continue to live on past his playing days, with the MCC Foundation proud to have enjoyed a major partnership with the Bachar Houli Foundation since 2019, which aims to support social cohesion by fostering young Muslims, both male and female, with a sense of belonging through sport, employment opportunities and education programs.
The Bachar Houli Foundation now reaches over 35,000 participants nationally and the Club looks forward to joining Bachar in this next phase of his life and the enormous contribution he is going to make to the wider community.
Melbourne Cricket Club President, Michael Happell paid tribute to Bachar and his longevity as a big-game player.
“We feel very fortunate to have been a part of Bachar’s career and vision, through the support that the MCC Foundation has been able to provide his Foundation and use sport as a vehicle for promoting confidence and leadership in the Muslim community,” Mr Happell said.
“He has been a wonderful role model as an AFL footballer and I’m sure he has brought a lot of joy to our Richmond MCC members with the way he has conducted himself on the field.
“While it is disappointing that we won’t have fans in the stands at the MCG to give him the send-off he is deserving of, we’re delighted that Bachar and his family won’t be lost to us as our Foundations continue on the great work that has already been achieved.
“On behalf of all MCC members and the MCC Foundation, congratulations on a wonderful career, Bachar.”
Bachar Houli
232 Games (Richmond 206, Essendon 26)43 goals
Richmond 3x Premiership Player (2017, 2019 and 2020)
All-Australian Team (2019)
Yiooken Award (2019)
AFL Rising Star Nominee (2008)