Richmond great Bachar Houli provides hospital update after horror car crash in Canberra

Richmond great Bachar Houli said he was grateful to have ‘another opportunity in life’ as he shared an emotional update from hospital, almost two weeks after surviving a serious car crash.

The 35-year-old was airlifted to a Melbourne hospital on June 12 after he suffered a broken pelvis and other fractures when his ute rolled following a camping weekend with friends.

The former three-time premiership star retired in 2021 after an illustrious career, comprising 232 games, including 26 with Essendon and 206 with Richmond.

‘I hope everyone’s having a fantastic day. I just wanted to share this short message as a means of gratitude,’ Houli said in a video he shared on Instagram.

‘I just wanted to show my gratitude for all those caring people out here who have asked about my progress. 

The 35-year-old was airlifted to a Melbourne hospital after his his ute rolled following a camping weekend with friends

‘I’ve had a successful operation for my pelvis, which had a fair bit of damage in it. That’s obviously taken care of.’

Houli’s brother-in-law Khaled was also involved in the crash, which occurred near Canberra.

Khaled was is reported to have suffered a more serious condition, but his circumstances remain unclear.   

‘The fact that I’m able to breathe again, to have another opportunity in life that the Almighty has given me,’ Houli, a devout Muslim, said.

‘Because it could’ve been very well been much worse.

‘He truly tests those who he loves. I’m taking it to mean that the Almighty loves me and he’s put me through this test. And there’s wisdom behind it.

‘Thank you everyone for your support. I really, really appreciate it. Inshallah god willing I can catch up with you all and share some smiles.

‘But the good thing is I’m in good spirits and good care. Extremely great care.’

Houli has won three premierships with Richmond since joining the Tigers in  2011

Houli made his AFL debut in 2007, playing for Essendon. However, he truly thrived after moving to the Tigers in 2011.

Known for his exceptional skills as a defender, Houli became a key player for Richmond, renowned for his intercept marks and precise disposal.

He was a pivotal member of the team that won the AFL premiership in 2017, breaking Richmond’s 37-year drought.

Houli’s profile as one of few practising Muslims in the sport saw him get heavily involved in community outreach, and he won the Jim Stynes Award, which is given annually to the player who does the most significant community work.