- Bachar Houli will make his return to the football field
- The Richmond hero almost lost his life in a car accident
- He will represent a local football club
Bachar Houli will return to football just over a year later after narrowly escaping death following a horrific car crash.
The three-time premiership player was airlifted to hospital and spent weeks in care with serious injuries when a ute he was traveling in rolled over during a camping trip in Canberra.
Houli underwent surgery at a Melbourne hospital after suffering a broken pelvis and has largely stayed out of the spotlight during his recovery.
But now the 232-game champion returns to the football field with Victorian local club Newport in the Western Football Netball League.
“We are super excited to announce that Bachar Houli will play with Newport in 2025,” the club said in an Instagram post.
“A local man, a great man, an icon of the game. We can’t wait to see it in maroon, black and gold in 2025.”
When the accident happened, then Tigers chief executive Brendon Gale said the premiership hero was in ‘pretty bad shape’ and at the start of a long journey to recovery.
Houli’s brother-in-law, Khaled, was also injured in the crash.
Bachar Houli will make a miraculous return to the football field at a local Victorian club
The Richmond hero suffered a life-threatening car accident during a camping holiday
Two weeks after the accident, Houli shared a video message expressing his relief that his injuries were not fatal.
‘I hope everyone has a fantastic day. I just wanted to share this short message as a sign of gratitude,” said Houli, a father of three.
‘I just wanted to express my gratitude to all those caring people here who have asked about my progress. I had a successful operation on my pelvis, which left quite a bit of damage. This will of course be taken care of.’
Houli, a devout Muslim, approached his serious accident with a glass half full.
“The fact that I can breathe again, that I have a new chance in life that the Almighty has given me,” he said.
‘Because it could very well have been a lot worse.
“He really tests those he loves. I assume this means that the Almighty loves me and has subjected me to this test. And there is wisdom behind it.
‘One who truly loves Allah, the one and only, one who is faithful, and Allah subjects him to this test, he wants to see how they respond.
‘Allah wants to see that even in times of hardship, you are still grateful? By Allah, I am so grateful. By Allah, I am so grateful.’