Rebounding small defender, Bachar Houli, has taken a “life and death” approach to his role in Richmond’s backline this season.

Houli focused heavily on improving the defensive aspects of his game during the pre-season and, as we fast approach the halfway mark of the 2013 season, he is pleased with the progress he’s made in this area.

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“I think I’ve come a long way defensively,” he said on ‘RSN’.

“It is a mindset . . . it’s living by every contest – life and death football – because the game is a game of inches these days, and every contest could be your last.

“So, that’s the way I approach it . . . You’ve got to be on your game, you’ve got to be on the tip of your toes, and you’ve got to be prepared for any ball that comes your way . . .

“Obviously, as individuals, we all get recruited for our offensive game style and the way we can take the game on.  But we don’t necessarily get recruited for how we go about our game defensively.

“So, it’s been a main focus for me, especially off the half-back line.  Previously, I’d been more attacking as a half-back. 

“I wanted to become really strong in that area (defensive), use it as a starting point, and then work offensively from there.

“So far, it’s been okay, but I’ve still got a lot of improvement to go, and I’m really looking forward to the second part of the season.”