The only Victorian to arrive at Essendon via the 2006 National Draft, Houli was the first to join his new teammates, quickly realising the rigours expected at an AFL club.
""I walked in feeling a little confused before a few of the boys welcomed me and showed me around,"" Houli recalls.
""I was told to get into my gear for a phosphate test which is one of the hardest tests.
""To be honest, I almost threw up after it but it certainly opened my eyes to a new world.""
""But I think I’ve fitted in well from a training point of view because I’ve been working pretty hard and thankfully I have been keeping up with a few of the boys after performing pretty well in my testing.""
In early testing he has equalled the club record of 2.75 seconds for the 20-metre sprint and run 10 minutes 43 seconds in the 3.2km time trial.
""Bachar is one of those players who comes with ability combined with good endurance and speed which is often a hard combination to find,"" Essendon fitness coach Joel Hocking explained.
""He doesn’t present like your average 18 year old, be handles the work load we give him and he provides feedback on how he is travelling. Those qualities make him almost the ideal person to work with.""
His early impressive results also included finishing first in the Jack Clarke Trophy – an inaugural 3km match race against the Geelong Football Club as part of the Ron Clarke Classic.
""It wasn’t expected. I just ran and I felt comfortable. As I headed into the last lap I felt like I had another ten or 15 percent in me so I ran through that and came first.
""For me it was a huge result. To be in your first year and win an event like that was enormous and no doubt it will give me confidence for the weeks to come.""
In addition to impressing the football department with his hard work on the training track, Houli’s mature and astute demeanour has been a welcome inclusion around Windy Hill.
According to Essendon’s List Manager Adrian Dodoro, Houli exhibits maturity and responsibility beyond his years.
""Of all the kids I have interviewed over the years, he would have to be in the top couple as far as character and commitment,"" Dodoro explained.
Houli attributes his personal traits to his family influence and particularly his strong connection with his father - someone who he believes has been one of the most positive influences on his development as both a person and a footballer.
""Despite having a father who didn’t have much of an AFL background, he has just been fantastic,"" Houli said.
""He has always supported me along the way and when times were down he was always there supporting me.
In addition to the emphasis he places on his family, religion also plays a leading role in his life.
Houli believes his strong commitment to his Muslim religion shouldn’t draw extra attention.
""Religion doesn’t change you as a person. Obviously my ability to fit in has shown that.
""Of course aspects of my religion have helped me develop my football, for instance, my dedication and commitment. But I should be seen as no different to anyone else when I play the game. At Essendon, I am a footballer, just like everyone else.""
