This was published 6 years ago
Houli and Saad to join coin toss for solidarity
By Peter Ryan
Richmond's Bachar Houli and Essendon's Adam Saad are expected to accompany their respective captains to the coin toss on Friday as a strong gesture of unity ahead of the MCG blockbuster.
The clubs were moved to demonstrate the bonds between teammates from diverse backgrounds following the divisive speech delivered by Senator Fraser Anning this week.
Bachar Houli will be a part of the coin toss.Credit: Wayne Ludbey
Houli and Saad, both Muslims and the most exciting running defenders in the competition, were hoping to make the gesture to show the capacity for the game to unite people and their teammates were keen to express their support for the pair in what has been a trying week for many Muslims in Australia.
With Trent Cotchin missing the game through injury, Richmond will have a stand-in captain toss the coin with Jack Riewoldt and Alex Rance joint vice-captains. The Bombers' skipper is Dyson Heppell.
In the widely-condemned speech, Anning called for an end to Muslim immigration and used the phrase "the final solution," which is associated with the Holocaust.
In a statement Richmond reinforced the club's support of both Houli and Saad and their willingness to push a positive message.
"Tonight, both clubs take the opportunity presented by the AFL’s Friday night centre stage to stand alongside these young men and their community, and remind everyone that our great game and our country values people of all cultures and communities.
Adam Saad will also join his skipper.Credit: AAP
"Both Richmond and Essendon celebrate and embrace diversity in our great game, through our players, staff, partners, members and supporters, and by extension, we celebrate the diversity of our country."
Richmond and Essendon have a long history of supporting diversity and have turned the annual Dreamtime at the 'G into one of the biggest games on the calendar.
The coin toss takes place minutes before the first bounce and will be a subtle reminder of the varying backgrounds of AFL players.
Essendon need to win the game to keep their finals hopes alive while the Tigers are guaranteed a top two spot.