This Sunday at the MCG when Carlton take on Melbourne, Ryan Houlihan will play his 150th match. Not only is it a fine achievement, but at 25 years of age, he becomes the third youngest Carlton player behind Robert Walls and Lance Whitnall to achieve this milestone.
Originally from Corowa he was drafted to the Blues from the Murray Bushrangers TAC Under-18 side with pick 73 in the 1999 National Draft. Coming from a strong football family, he was the third of four Houlihan brothers to be drafted to the AFL - Damien played for Collingwood and the Kangaroos, Adam played for Geelong and Richmond and Josh was drafted to St Kilda, he didn’t end up playing a senior game, but is now a vital member of Carlton’s VFL affiliate side The Northern Bullants.
Houlihan made his senior debut for Carlton in Round 11 in 2000 against the Kangaroos at MC Labour Park in what was the 1999 Grand Final replay. The Blues were to have their revenge that day winning by five goals. While Houlihan only managed five possessions for the game, like all Carlton fans, he surely would have been in awe of Anthony Koutoufides that day who single handedly tore the Roos apart kicking five goals and finishing the match with 38 disposals.
A lack of major injury but more importantly extremely consistent form has seen Houlihan become part of the furniture in the senior team since his debut. He has also been cast in a number of different roles over his AFL journey which is now in its eighth year.
When he first came onto the scene he was used predominately at half forward where his sublime skills and run and carry were well utilised, not to mention his ability to slot a fine running goal.
As Carlton’s playing list changed dramatically over the 2003 and 2004 seasons, Houlihan made the switch to the half back line. Again his skills and ability to carry the ball were put to good use; however, instead of just kicking the odd running goal, he was now the architect of Carlton’s forward thrusts. He finished eighth and seventh respectively in the 2003 and 2004 Club Best and Fairest counts.
In recent times, Houlihan has taken another big step in his development by moving into the midfield, at times also being required to take on run-with roles against some of the league’s most dangerous players. His career highlights include; a Rising Star nomination in 2000, the Past Player’s Encouragement Award in 2000 and Pre-Season Premiership player in 2005 and 2007.
Houlihan is currently the sixth most experienced player on Carlton’s list, and it is sometimes easy to forget that he is just 25 years old. He is also one of only 11 players on the list with finals experience. Houlihan has easily been one of the Blues most consistent performers over the last six or seven years, and it is important to remember that he is only now entering the prime of his career. It is not unreasonable to suggest that his best is yet to come.
Congratulations on this fantastic achievement Ryan, with this milestone you join some of the true champions of the Carlton Football Club and it is well deserved.
Related Links
