Richmond defender Bachar Houli has been a revelation for the Tigers since crossing from Essendon at the end of 2010.

But despite two years of excellent performances – he has played every game since arriving at Tigerland – the 24-year-old wants to take his game to another level.

Heading into the 2013 season, he has a simple goal.

“Just to keep improving.  For me as a running half back, I want to get the defensive side of my game up there, and let the offensive side look after itself,” Houli said.

Sign up as a Richmond member for season 2013.  The Roar is Back.

“If I can beat my man, and work hard offensively, that’s a win for me.

“I think it’ll be a similar role – the highest half back.  I’m really looking forward to another big challenge.  With Chris Newman moving to the wing, it puts a little bit more pressure on me, which is good because it will fast-track my football moving forward.”

Houli has played a key role for Richmond in the pre-season so far, collecting 24 disposals against the Hawks, and 19 against the Bombers the previous week.

In both of those games, the Tigers have won narrowly, including an after-the-siren win in the third week of the pre-season series in Launceston.

And while the fight for premiership points is still weeks away, Houli said it was important for the team to develop winning habits, especially when matches are in the balance late in the final quarter.

“That was the biggest thing that came out of the win.  Last year we struggled with five or six games where we lost the close ones,” Houli said.

“It was good that the boys had that hunger to win the game.  We’re preparing well for those close games in future.”