Bachar Houli has capped off the Bombers' win on the weekend, winning the first NAB Rising Star nomination for 2008.

Bachar’s nomination came after being named in Essendon’s best following the 55-point victory over North Melbourne. The left-footer gathered 26 disposals from the midfield playing most of the game on Brent Harvey.

The 19-year-old was Essendon’s fifth selection (number 42 overall) in the 2006 NAB AFL Draft and attracted media attention as the first practising Muslim to be included on an AFL list. Bachar gained permission to break his fast when the 2006 NAB AFL Draft Camp fell during Ramadan.

 
Bachar debuted in Round Seven last year against North Melbourne and played four senior games, averaging 11 disposals.

Coach Matthew Knights said Bachar’s performance was a highlight of the win.

""I thought Bachar put in an impressive performance and played his role well on the weekend.

""The aspect that I was most delighted with was his flexibility and his ability to play decent footy in all positions having spent time in the midfield, on the wing and also in the backline.

""The rising star nomination is a just reward for his performance having seen how much hard work Bachar has put into his football in order to become better and his constant desire to continue to develop,"" Knights said.

Bachar was recruited from Spotswood and the Western Jets. He captained Vic Metro in the 2004 NAB AFL Under 16 Championships. He missed the 2005 NAB AFL Under 18 Championships with a stress fracture in his lower back but played in 2006.
 
Bachar is speaking to the media this morning. Full story to come.