Bachar Houli

[tats]

What do u think of this kid. I love da way he plays and i would love if hawthorn had picked him up at 33

[Lance Uppercut]

I was really hoping we'd pick him up. It just seems right

[Charliebrow16]

What a steal, i'm still overjoyed

[danielcanberra]

Good luck Bachar.

In our current climate of Muslim-bashing, I hope that all Bombers fans will protect and stick up for Houli. The AFL has done a lot of work stamping out racism, and I hope most spectators are now mature enough to focus on a player's ability and not on their skin colour or religion (the old Nicky Winmar episode was disgraceful).


http://www.smh.com.au/ffximage/2006/10/04/bacharhouli_narrowweb__300x437,0.jpg
http://www.smh.com.au/news/afl/not-so-fast-when-footy-and-faith-collide/2006/10/04/1159641393272.html

[Muji]

really wanted him at Carlton, let me tell you Bomber fans how lucky you should feel because in a few year shis gana be ripping up the comp. gun...

[austinthedog]

I think that his religion will be of a huge benefit. he doesnt drink, so he wont fall victim to this as many other young football players do. he will be disciplined both with his religion and football. look at other muslim sports stars, such as mundine, i dont like the bloke but you cant argue with his achievements.

i am excited about next season my friends.

[Lance Uppercut]

Good luck Bachar.

In our current climate of Muslim-bashing, I hope that all Bombers fans will protect and stick up for Houli. The AFL has done a lot of work stamping out racism, and I hope most spectators are now mature enough to focus on a player's ability and not on their skin colour or religion (the old Nicky Winmar episode was disgraceful).



:thumbsu:

[zafa23]

Is he likely to get (m)any games next year?

[Darealrath]

Good luck Bachar.

In our current climate of Muslim-bashing, I hope that all Bombers fans will protect and stick up for Houli. The AFL has done a lot of work stamping out racism, and I hope most spectators are now mature enough to focus on a player's ability and not on their skin colour or religion (the old Nicky Winmar episode was disgraceful).

[/URL]

Unfortunately it won't happen. Our aboriginal blokes still cop it in the outer, even from people who have aboriginals in their own team. ********wits.

[danielcanberra]

http://www.news.com.au/common/imagedata/0,,5315662,00.jpghttp://www.realfooty.theage.com.au/ffximage/2006/11/01/wbDRAFThouli_gallery__290x400.jpg

Houli, 18, plans to observe religous fasts when it does not conflict with game day and to work at his parents' Werribee fish and chip shop as often as he can.

His parents migrated from Lebanon 30 years ago.

But the Tarneit teenager said public focus on his religion would not stop him achieving on the football field.

"I'm not only devoted to my religion, I want to succeed at the highest level in footy," Houli said.

He admitted he led a remarkably different lifestyle to that of most AFL footballers, but said his religion was an advantage.

"It is good for me, it gives me discipline as a person," he said.

"I pray fives times a day . . . I can't go out in the nightlife and have a drink and become uncontrollable."

The teenager plans to explain his beliefs to his teammates.

"I will make people aware that I can't drink alcohol or can't do (some of the) things they can do," he said.
"Surely I will have the respect that everyone deserves."

The talented midfielder was snapped up by Essendon as a result of strong performances at the National Draft camp last month.
Houli fasted during sunlight hours for two weeks before the camp for Islam's holy month of Ramadan.

He broke the fast, with the permission of Muslim leaders, only 24 hours before gruelling fitness tests.
"I spoke to them and they gave me the all clear," Houli said.

The teenager said he would continue to consult Muslim leaders over any conflicts between his faith and football.

The young left-footer began playing football at Spotswood Under 12s without telling his parents. He said his parents did not understand Australian football at the time.

He confessed he was playing the sport when he brought home a bagful of trophies and received his parents' blessing.

Houli said being drafted was a personal goal, but he hoped it would inspire other Australian Muslims to reach for their dreams.

"It is huge for me," he said. "It also opens up the way for other Muslims around the community to know they can make the highest level."

Full article in Sunday Herald Sun
http://www.news.com.au/sundayheraldsun/story/0,21985,20820731-11088,00.html

[Sublime]

Very good player i've heard, wouldn't have minded him at the blues. Isn't there a question mark of a bad back hanging over him? Perhaps thats why he lasted that long? I hope thats not the case as back injuries can have a habit of hanging around, and holding back a career I really hope he hs a great career, even if its with the old enemy :p

[Lukesta63]

As much as this hurts Bomber fans,congratulations with the kid.He's supposed to go real well ,and unfortunately for us ,is a mad Carlton supporter.
Honestly good luck with the kids,hopefully both our clubs have drafted well!
S iht I hate being nice to you pricks:D

[GeppStar]

will be a star, have had the massive task of playing on him a few times when he was at spotswood, massive left foot, big mototr, quick he has all the attributes 2 make a star

[Jack-Packenham]

I wanted the cats to pick him at 7, thats how high I rated him. The dons have got a bargain and he will win the NAB rising star next year.

[Lance Uppercut]

I'm just thrilled we picked up this kid. It just seems so right that it's Essendon that he plays for, as the first Muslim kid. Good on him.

[go_the_bombers]

I'm just thrilled we picked up this kid. It just seems so right that it's Essendon that he plays for, as the first Muslim kid. Good on him.

So am I

Best of luck too him :thumbsu:

[kelvin_sheedy]

Just saw some photos and he has a fair bit of size about him.

Looks to have the body shape to be able to step straight into league footy and could play a fair few senior games next year if form and fitness hold up.

:thumbsu:

[drew_j]

Meh, He'll be fine. Just because he's a devout Muslim doesn’t necessarily mean he'll be prevented from boarding planes to away games. Sure there are always a few dumb ********s that will racially abuse him. It's a fact of life. But I have a feeling that if he's any good he'll be something of a cult figure at Essendon. Good luck to him and all the kids who got drafted from any team, wether they be black, white, Muslim, Christian, Jewish, Phlemish, Dominican or apartisan German go-kart drivers. We can only hope they produce a new level of exciting football. And we can only hope they produce this level for Essendon in greater doses than any other team (especially Collingwood. I'm not a teamist, I just hate those pricks ;))

[tats]

What a pick up, good luck, i hope he is a star for the bombers. inspiration written all over him and he is just 18

[PIE-BOI]

I'm happy for the bloke, hope he does really well, i'd be following him seeing his the 1st Muslim to play :) ..He is deciplined, doesn't drink, doesn't go Nightclubs so yeah he should be a good role model to others :thumbsu:

[danielcanberra]

Unfortunately it won't happen. Our aboriginal blokes still cop it in the outer, even from people who have aboriginals in their own team. ********wits.

James Hird mentions it in his book too (pages 190 to 197). He's right of course, it is totally wrong.

[Bombs Away]

I'm happy for the bloke, hope he does really well, i'd be following him seeing his the 1st Muslim to play :) ..He is deciplined, doesn't drink, doesn't go Nightclubs so yeah he should be a good role model to others :thumbsu:

I couldn't care less about his religion as long as he can play, and from all accounts he can. That he is a muslim is a bonus that he will concentrate solely on playing football and not caught up with alcohol etc. Will be a great role model of the field, just hoping he can match it on the field. Bombers have drafted extremely well again this year.

[jamesisabomber]

I was actually about to start a post about this kid seeing as how I'd heard others rating him so highly. just out of curiosity why did he slip so far. what are his strengths etc

[Andrew_5]

I was actually about to start a post about this kid seeing as how I'd heard others rating him so highly. just out of curiosity why did he slip so far. what are his strengths etc

probly because he has had a few injuries in the last two years...
I know he's had a bad back, but I'm not to sure what else, if any for that matter

[bmwofoz]

I've heard he plays for Spotswood, his had a few Injuries, but has his head on right, is a hard at the ball type, good build a real tough nut.

Welcome to Essendon :thumbsu:

[DaSawx]

his arms look real big already from the photo's I've seen, does he have a nice disposal, lefty isn't he?

[Nobby8]

I want to know how to pronounce his surname correctly.

As in Batch-ar Hooli?..or

Bakka--Hoo-lie?

He looks fantastic....what a draft:thumbsu: :thumbsu:

[tats]

basher
bash a
call him bash

[Nobby8]

basher
bash a
call him bash

Basher? I like the sound of that.

Hoo lee?

or

Hoo lie?

or

Howie?

I serious too:)

[tats]

howli
howley

[Nobby8]

howli
howley

:thumbsu:

[PoidaCat]

He is known as Basher.

I remember for Spotswood he kicked 13 goals to half time from the Midfield. :eek: :eek: (Fact!)

Bombers did very well picking him up.

[danielcanberra]

I am not liking the tone of discussion in the drafts and trading thread about Houli -
http://www.bigfooty.com/forum/showthread.php?t=285027

Words I would use to describe Bachar Houli include - inspiration, respect, admirable etc

Some posters have turned the thread topic into an opportunity to go off about veils, praying, and Houli being Muslim. Utterly disgraceful.

[jules101]

I wanted the cats to pick him at 7, thats how high I rated him. The dons have got a bargain and he will win the NAB rising star next year.

Selwood goes alright

[jules101]

He is known as Basher.

I remember for Spotswood he kicked 13 goals to half time from the Midfield. :eek: :eek: (Fact!)

Bombers did very well picking him up.

judd effort that.

[don4eva]

judd effort that.
And then some...:eek:

[jules101]

And then some...:eek:

Judd killed in school footy. In year 12 he kicked 12 in a game from the midfield. Its not in a half but I am sure the opposition is a bit harder and I doubt many other midfielders in the APS have done it

[Palace03]

You've got a gem there Bombers fans, played against him a few times, just a gifted athlete and footballer.

Here's an article about him from the WRFL website.

http://www.wrfl.asn.au/default.aspx?s=newsdisplay&aid=113617

[unit27]

Absolute Gun .. Unfortunately he played a few times against my team in WRFL and absolutely destroyed us . I know that was only WRFL but i always knew this boy had a tonne of potential , Good Luck Bachar

[danielcanberra]

You've got a gem there Bombers fans, played against him a few times, just a gifted athlete and footballer.

Here's an article about him from the WRFL website.

http://www.wrfl.asn.au/default.aspx?s=newsdisplay&aid=113617

That's a great article.

[Dan26]

He's from Werribee, so he's a legend.

[Nobby8]

Absolute Gun .. Unfortunately he played a few times against my team in WRFL and absolutely destroyed us . I know that was only WRFL but i always knew this boy had a tonne of potential , Good Luck Bachar


Bachar sounds like he is going to be the cream of the crop out of our super six DPs. If this was a draft from a few years ago when every team was after midfielders instead of tall KPs..he would've been top 5, judging by the all the positive things said about this quality young footballer:thumbsu:

[danielcanberra]

http://www.essendonfc.com.au/images/06/draftTrain-06.jpg
http://www.essendonfc.com.au/news/news.asp?nid=4959

[Crave]

I am not liking the tone of discussion in the drafts and trading thread about Houli -
http://www.bigfooty.com/forum/showthread.php?t=285027

Words I would use to describe Bachar Houli include - inspiration, respect, admirable etc

Some posters have turned the thread topic into an opportunity to go off about veils, praying, and Houli being Muslim. Utterly disgraceful.

Thats the crap I hope I dont hear when he evetually plays seniors. Id be willing to bet Ill be evicted from the arena for throwing a right hook into that small minded supporter.

I totally agree with you there.

[mcphee_is_a_gun]

he won our 2nd time trial today, the kid is working really hard and im pretty certain he'll make it at AFL level with the commitment and dedication he's shown us.

[Slattery_20]

He's from Werribee, so he's a legend.
I for one won't hold it against him

[danzan22]

lets all hope houli will live up to all this hype. ive read a few articles on the kid and from all reports he sounds like a fantastic pick up and especially for pick 52. i think he will debut next year and should definately play in the nab cup.

[Nobby8]

Would it be over the top if i started a thread called Bachar,Our Chris Judd?;)

[jules101]

Would it be over the top if i started a thread called Bachar,Our Chris Judd?;)

yes also incorrect

more like our well behaved ben cousins

[Nobby8]

yes also incorrect

more like our well behaved ben cousins

lol...Ahhh Cousins.The Anti-Superstar:o

[Nobby8]

Does anyone know much about Bachar's junior footy?
Where he came from before the TAC comp?

[Longy413]

Does anyone know much about Bachar's junior footy?
Where he came from before the TAC comp?

Spotswood.

[Nobby8]

Spotswood.


yer,i know he came from Spotswood (who would live in Spotswood?) but does anyone know about his junior footy history.

Like,when he started playing,awards,how he worked around the whole religion thing....etc. His parents must of had an interest in footy. Like to know more about our new recruit and his family.

Don't know if that information is available though:o

[Fletchers Girl]

Does anyone know much about Bachar's junior footy?
Where he came from before the TAC comp?

He played for Western Jets, my bf is mates with him and has told me for ages that he is an awesome player! You guys got a good pick up with him! :thumbsu:

[Fletchers Girl]

yer,i know he came from Spotswood (who would live in Spotswood?) but does anyone know about his junior footy history.

Like,when he started playing,awards,how he worked around the whole religion thing....etc. His parents must of had an interest in footy. Like to know more about our new recruit and his family.

Don't know if that information is available though:o

There has been an article on it before, he didn't tell his parents at the start that he was playing, until he started winning awards and stuff. I will try to find it for you.

[Nobby8]

There has been an article on it before, he didn't tell his parents at the start that he was playing, until he started winning awards and stuff. I will try to find it for you.

That would be great,cheers:thumbsu:

[Fletchers Girl]

That would be great,cheers:thumbsu:

No probs :)
Here is one, but there was a better one, still trying to find it though.

http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,20823616-5006785,00.html

EDIT: Here it is!
http://www.realfooty.theage.com.au/articles/2006/06/23/1150845378336.html

[Citizen Erased]

Bachar-Is it pronounced BASH AH or BACK AH?........:thumbsu:

[Longy413]

Bachar-Is it pronounced BASH AH or BACK AH?........:thumbsu:

Bash-ar

[Fletchers Girl]

Bachar-Is it pronounced BASH AH or BACK AH?........:thumbsu:

BACK AH

[Nobby8]

BACK AH

Maybe its more like Ba sssh-ar, with that slight arabic/jewish type ch..sh sound drawn out...:confused:


Cheers for the info link Bluesy:thumbsu:

lol at his parents now glued to Fox footy. Wonder how he managed to keep playing a secret though.Didn't his folks know what he was upto for 4 hrs every saturday?

Good footy story this kid. Good luck to him,he's got guts going thru all that as a young bloke.

[Fletchers Girl]

Maybe its more like Ba sssh-ar, with that slight arabic/jewish type ch..sh sound drawn out...:confused:


Cheers for the info link Bluesy:thumbsu:

I just took it from the way you had it done, but maybe this way will help, pronounce it out more like "ba car"

[Fletchers Girl]

lol at his parents now glued to Fox footy. Wonder how he managed to keep playing a secret though.Didn't his folks know what he was upto for 4 hrs every saturday?

Good footy story this kid. Good luck to him,he's got guts going thru all that as a young bloke.

Got his head screwed on right as well :thumbsu: I think you guys are very VERY lucky to have him, so damn jealous!!! :p

[Nobby8]

Got his head screwed on right as well :thumbsu: I think you guys are very VERY lucky to have him, so damn jealous!!! :p

We'll swap Houli and Jetta for Gibbs......;)












No hang on,i take that back:(

















actually,no.......... we will have Gibbs thanks:)





Deal?:D

[Fletchers Girl]

We'll swap Houli and Jetta for Gibbs......;)












No hang on,i take that back:(

















actually,no.......... we will have Gibbs thanks:)





Deal?:D

Hey I don't mind I follow the Eagles :p
The blues are my second team hehe!

[Longy413]

Maybe its more like Ba sssh-ar, with that slight arabic/jewish type ch..sh sound drawn out...:confused:

Yep, that's the one.

[jules101]

us aussies are shocking with pronounciations of names. I am sure he is used to people stuffing it up

[Barts]

Hey I don't mind I follow the Eagles :p
The blues are my second team hehe!

Oh good, we will take Chris Judd then thanks:)

[donsman4eva]

Not so sure about calling him a next Judd as of yet. He does look like he can step straight into the seniors, but we will just have to wait and see. Hopefully he can have a good NAB cup and then just take it from there.

Just wondering though, if he comes into the side and plays well enogh to keep his spot, who's spot does he get? I assume it will be Pev so then what happens to him? should we keep him as a back up or do we trade him at the end of the season??

[Jeremias]

BACK AH

Incorrect. It's pronounced Bashar...


Bombers, although I hate you (:p) I just came here to congratulate you on a very good recruiting job. Bachar will be a very good player for you guys. :thumbsu:

[Fletchers Girl]

Oh good, we will take Chris Judd then thanks:)

Yeh keep dreaming!!! :p
How about....you can have Rowan Jones and we will have Houli :D

[Fletchers Girl]

Incorrect. It's pronounced Bashar...

If my bf was here I would ask him, but I am sure he pronounced it the other way :confused: oh well sorry if i am wrong.

[Longy413]

If my bf was here I would ask him, but I am sure he pronounced it the other way :confused: oh well sorry if i am wrong.

It's definately Bashar.

[Nobby8]

us aussies are shocking with pronounciations of names. I am sure he is used to people stuffing it up

yer,like everyone pronouncing Rewolt when he has said his family pronounce it Revolt,with the German/Dutch (?) twang to the 'V'

[Jeremias]

It's definately Bashar.

Indeed it is.

[Nobby8]

Indeed it is.

Is it like the name of that freak who interviewed Micheal Jackson?

His was Bash..ir or eer....with that tiny pause in between bash and ...

Bash....arrrr


Instead of our rough interpretation...Bash...a:D

[Nuts4Bolts]

Is it like the name of that freak who interviewed Micheal Jackson?


I alway's thought Jacko was the freak!

[Barts]

Say it like this..

Basher

Then if you see him on the street he might recognise your talking to him:)

[Nobby8]

I alway's thought Jacko was the freak!


MJ has gone beyond freaki-ness. My 7 year old son gets freaked out at the mere sight of him. He still doesn't believe he's a boy:o


I'm gunna pronounce it Bash-er, but not in the okka way.

A bit more refined then ....Bash-a:D

[Barts]

MJ has gone beyond freaki-ness. My 7 year old son gets freaked out at the mere sight of him. He still doesn't believe he's a boy:o


I'm gunna pronounce it Bash-er, but not in the okka way.

A bit more refined then ....Bash-a:D

Good man.


Anyways heres a story of when he tried out at the Western Jets.

Practise game, and Bashar only played 10 mins. But it was a fair 10.

Comes on in the 2nd qtr with tape around his face, plays in the guts and kicks 4 goals in 10 minutes. Coach drags him and tells him to go home, rest up and come back next week.

We find out later that Bashar had a broken nose!!

LoL fair freak stuff that.

[tats]

Its prenounced like this BashR, Bash R

[Fletchers Girl]

My apologies, I spoke to a lebo mate of mine (bc it was driving me nuts!!! lol)and he checked with his mum and she said is is pronounced "bash" not "bac"
I guess that's why they call him bash :o lol

[Barts]

Its prenounced like this BashR, Bash R

I think we have deduced that fact big fella:)

[Longy413]

I think I read somewhere that it's Bash-ar.

[Barts]

I think I read somewhere that it's Bash-ar.

LoL I think we know how to say it now, but it just depends on how you want to spell the pronounciation.

I wasnt sure if people would understand Basher or Bashar.

Tomato Tomarto anyone? :p

[Nobby8]

No probs :)
Here is one, but there was a better one, still trying to find it though.

http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,20823616-5006785,00.html

EDIT: Here it is!
http://www.realfooty.theage.com.au/articles/2006/06/23/1150845378336.html

Interesting how he talked about how worried he was regarding his mum coming to the footy next year with the muslim head dress and all.

I'm sure the club will provide the lady one of those corporate boxes to watch Houli play.Then she can sit in comfort and watch the game without putting up with all the riff raff in the outer....:thumbsu:

Don't worry bout a thing Bachar,just focus on the footy mate:) ;)

[Longy413]

Interesting how he talked about how worried he was regarding his mum coming to the footy next year with the muslim head dress and all.

I'm sure the club will provide the lady one of those corporate boxes to watch Houli play.Then she can sit in comfort and watch the game without putting up with all the riff raff in the outer....:thumbsu:

Don't worry bout a thing Bachar,just focus on the footy mate:) ;)

Throw her in the grog-squad. Let her sample what AFL footy is all about.

Seriously though, I don't expect her to have a problem. Especially from Essendon supporters.

Bashar is going to become a cult hero at Essendon, if he isn't already. People love his story, people love his work ethic. It seems he already has a huge amount of support from Essendon fans, especially if this board is any sort of guide. I expect that would extend to his family.

[Crave]

Could be a thread idea cropping up shortly...give us your best Bachar banner. ;)

[Longy413]

Could be a thread idea cropping up shortly...give us your best Bachar banner. ;)

As long as we can ban "Bash 'em, Bachar" as an entry.

Because I can see that one popping up in the cheersquad already. It's definately lame enough.

[Nobby8]

Throw her in the grog-squad. Let her sample what AFL footy is all about.

Seriously though, I don't expect her to have a problem. Especially from Essendon supporters.

Bashar is going to become a cult hero at Essendon, if he isn't already. People love his story, people love his work ethic. It seems he already has a huge amount of support from Essendon fans, especially if this board is any sort of guide. I expect that would extend to his family.

Yep,we have embraced him like our own already:thumbsu:

[Crave]

As long as we can ban "Bash 'em, Bachar" as an entry.

Because I can see that one popping up in the cheersquad already. It's definately lame enough.

Was thinking the exact same thing. Would feel like Baching my head against a brick wall, seeing that one.

[Longy413]

Was thinking the exact same thing. Would feel like Baching my head against a brick wall, seeing that one.

Yep, I'd definately Bach the living suitcase out of the person who comes up with that one.

[Nobby8]

If he plays with a bit of hardness and the fans love him,maybe he can be the new Bomber! Mark Thompson won't mind. His kids are Geelong supporters now.

Bomber Houli:thumbsu: ;)

Rolls of the tongue good:D

[Crave]

Yep, I'd definately Bach the living suitcase out of the person who comes up with that one.

You'd think we'd have to have a Bach at it at some stage. No point beating around the George Dubya.

[Crave]

If he plays with a bit of hardness and the fans love him,maybe he can be the new Bomber! Mark Thompson won't mind. His kids are Geelong supporters now.

Bomber Houli:thumbsu: ;)

Rolls of the tongue good:D

Houli Dooley??

[Longy413]

If he plays with a bit of hardness and the fans love him,maybe he can be the new Bomber! Mark Thompson won't mind. His kids are Geelong supporters now.

Bomber Houli:thumbsu: ;)

Rolls of the tongue good:D

Houli-dooley.

That's a great nickname for the young fella Nobby.

EDIT - Missed it by that much.

[Crave]

Houli-dooley.

That's a great nickname for the young fella Nobby.

EDIT - Missed it by that much.

How shall we affectionately refer to Jetta? .....Leroy?

[Longy413]

How shall we affectionately refer to Jetta? .....Leroy?

Seems appropriate.

I'm tipping he'll get Jet though.

[jules101]

Seems appropriate.

I'm tipping he'll get Jet though.

Bomber would be a good nickname for Jetta

[Longy413]

Bomber would be a good nickname for Jetta

Yeah I thought that myself.