Dual premiership Tiger Bachar Houli was shocked when his teammate Alex Rance announced he was retiring just before Christmas, given Rance had presented to the group in a strategy meeting just days earlier.

The surprise has barely subsided and Houli is still hopeful Rance can find a way to return to the game where he made his name, admitting he is "praying" that Rance will come back.

Bachar Houli watches his hologram exhibit at the soon-to-be-reopened Australian Sports Museum. Credit:Joe Armao

As is his gentle and genuine way off the field, Houli emphasised that his prayers are more focused on Rance finding the happiness he said he was seeking when he left behind the game that has dominated his life for so long.

But he also made it clear he would like the five time All-Australian alongside him on the field, too.