Bachar Houli becomes the second premiership-winning Richmond defender to retire this week

The Richmond defence will have a whole new look in 2022 after the retirement of another premiership star.

Bachar Houli is hanging up the boots. Picture: Mark Stewart

Three-time Richmond premiership defender Bachar Houli is “going fishing” after announcing he will retire following Saturday afternoon’s clash with Hawthorn.

After 232 AFL matches, including 206 at Richmond, where he arrived prior to the 2011 season from Essendon, Houli joins premiership teammate David Astbury in hanging up the boots.

The 33-year-old produced three memorable grand final performances, finishing runner-up to Dustin Martin for the Norm Smith Medal in both the 2017 and 2019 triumphs.

Houli also fought valiantly throughout the 2020 grand final to complete the game despite sustaining a significant calf injury early in the match.

“I have been fortunate enough to play at two great clubs and to be a part of the history of this game,” he added.

“Not only did I want to play as many games as possible, but I wanted to educate Australia about my faith (and) about the religion of Islam, the religion of peace. I hope I have left a sense of peace in everyone’s heart.

“I sincerely thank the club and the AFL for allowing me to be me.

A humble champion. A big-game player. A legacy that transcends the boundary.

Our entire club, community and competition is better for having Bachar Houli walk through the doors at Tigerland. 

For the journey till now and what the future holds; thanks for everything, Bachar 🙏

— Richmond FC 🐯🏆 (@Richmond_FC) August 18, 2021

“Thank you to the (entire) Richmond Football Club, from Peggy, to the chief (Brendon Gale), to the amazing Tiger Army … for allowing me to be a part of this amazing organisation.

“It’s time to go fishing, Tiger for life.”

Houli was a consistent star in the powerhouse Richmond defence and finished in the top 10 in the club best and fairest in seven of the past 10 seasons.

He was also an All Australian during the 2019 premiership campaign.

Houli’s legacy at Richmond will live on for many years to come, with the Bachar Houli Foundation, which Houli founded, building young leaders within the Muslim community.

Retirements are flowing thick and fast in the AFL, and Crows veteran David Mackay has also called time after 247 games with Adelaide.

Mackay, 33, told teammates of his decision to retire on Thursday morning as he prepares to leave the game on his own terms against North Melbourne at Adelaide Oval on Sunday.

“I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to have represented the club and have always worn our jumper with pride,” Mackay said.

“To all my teammates, coaches and the staff of this great club, thank you. I am privileged to have met and worked with so many amazing people.

“To the members and supporters, thank you for your passionate and unrivalled support, and playing in front of you has been an absolute thrill and honour.

“To my family, thank you is not enough.

“I will be eternally grateful for the sacrifices you have made in allowing me to chase my dream, and I can’t wait to embark on the next chapter.”

14 years of our No. 14. Thanks for everything, D-Mac 🙌💙❤️💛#weflyasone

— Adelaide Crows (@Adelaide_FC) August 18, 2021

Originally published as Bachar Houli becomes the second premiership-winning Richmond defender to retire this week