The Australian Football League (AFL) has confirmed that former Brisbane Lions player Rhys Mathieson has been handed a three-year ban for violating anti-doping regulations. The suspension follows the detection of a banned substance in a sample collected from Mathieson on August 10, 2022, while he was playing for Wilston Grange in the Queensland Australian Football League.
The substance identified was Oxymetholone, an Anabolic Androgenic Steroid, which is prohibited under the World Anti-Doping Code. The ban, effective until August 10, 2027, precludes Mathieson from participating in any sports governed by the World Anti-Doping Code policy.
Mathieson’s Response and Future Aspirations
In a candid discussion on the “Rip Through It” podcast, Mathieson, aged 28, acknowledged his awareness of the substance’s banned status. He described his shift in focus from professional football to bodybuilding, expressing a willingness to experiment with various gym supplements.
“I dived into a lot of gym supplements, I mean a lot – a lot of them. And some you would just buy off the shelves … and some of the boys had their own and I was willing to put anything, sort of, in my body to transform,” Mathieson stated.
Mathieson further elaborated on his passion for bodybuilding, indicating a desire to transition from a professional football player to a professional bodybuilder. “Once I started doing it I fell in love with it. I fell in love with the timings of meals and supplements and vitamins and pre workouts and all these proteins. All this stuff that I wasn’t allowed to have in AFL,” he added.
Career Overview and the Path Forward
Mathieson’s AFL career comprised 72 games with the Brisbane Lions, concluding in 2022. Drafted with pick 39 in the 2015 draft, he was unable to secure a position in the Lions’ senior team during the 2023 season, which culminated in a push towards the Grand Final. Consequently, Mathieson was delisted at the end of that year.
The announcement of his doping ban comes at a time when the AFL and other sports organizations are intensifying their efforts to uphold integrity and fairness in competition. Mathieson’s case underscores the ongoing challenges faced by athletes transitioning out of professional sports, as well as the temptations and pressures associated with performance enhancement.
Expert Opinions and Broader Implications
Sports analysts and experts have weighed in on the implications of Mathieson’s ban, highlighting the importance of education and support for athletes navigating career transitions. Dr. Jane Thompson, a sports psychologist, emphasized the need for comprehensive programs to assist athletes in managing post-career aspirations and the associated risks.
“Athletes often face identity crises and a lack of direction once their sports careers end. It’s crucial that they receive guidance to explore new passions safely and responsibly,” Dr. Thompson noted.
Meanwhile, the AFL’s firm stance on doping violations reflects a broader commitment to maintaining the sport’s integrity. The league’s policies align with global anti-doping efforts, reinforcing the message that performance-enhancing drugs have no place in sports.
Looking Ahead: The Road to Redemption
As Mathieson navigates the repercussions of his suspension, his story serves as a cautionary tale for other athletes. The path to redemption may involve not only compliance with the ban but also advocacy for clean sports and responsible health practices.
While Mathieson continues to pursue his bodybuilding ambitions, the lessons learned from his experience may contribute to a broader dialogue on athlete welfare and the ethical considerations surrounding performance enhancement. The AFL, along with other sports bodies, remains vigilant in its efforts to uphold the principles of fair play and athlete health.
