Former Brisbane Lions midfielder Rhys Mathieson has been handed a three-year suspension following a positive test for performance-enhancing drugs. The 28-year-old tested positive for the anabolic steroid oxymetholone, as initially reported by the Herald Sun. Mathieson, who played 72 games for the Lions, is barred from participating in any football matches until August 10, 2027, although he will be permitted to resume training in June of that year.
Speaking candidly on his podcast, Rip Through It, alongside former teammate Mitch Robinson, Mathieson addressed the suspension. “Before we get started, I don’t want this to be a feel sorry for me or I’m a victim in this. I take full responsibility for what happened,” Mathieson stated. He continued, “This is why I’d like to tell the story because some things just didn’t add up, but at the same time, I fully agree with whatever we went through, but some bizarre events happened.”
Transition from AFL to Bodybuilding
Since retiring from the AFL in 2023, Mathieson has transitioned into the world of bodybuilding, documenting his journey on social media. He has gained over 10 kilograms since leaving professional football. His last competitive appearance was in the Queensland Australian Football League (QAFL) in 2023 before his provisional suspension was enacted due to the positive drug test.
Mathieson explained that his use of the banned substance was unrelated to football. “When the trades didn’t go through, I thought, ‘Look, I am going to follow my passion, the dream is sort of over for footy now. So I’m going to follow my next passion, which was bodybuilding,” he said. He described his deep dive into gym supplements, stating, “I dived into a lot of gym supplements, I mean a lot – a lot of them.”
The World of Bodybuilding and Supplement Use
Mathieson expressed his fascination with bodybuilding, emphasizing his passion for the science of body transformation. “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 noted. He acknowledged the risks involved but rationalized his choices by comparing them to the casual approach of local football players.
“I am going to take whatever pre-workout. I am going to take whatever substance I want. I am going to be OK,” Mathieson remarked.
Reactions and Implications
The suspension of Mathieson has sparked a conversation about the use of performance-enhancing drugs in sports, particularly in transitioning athletes. Experts suggest that the pressures and identity shifts athletes face after retiring from professional sports can lead to such scenarios. The Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority (ASADA) has reiterated its zero-tolerance policy, emphasizing the importance of maintaining integrity in all levels of sport.
Mathieson’s decision to speak openly about his suspension has been met with mixed reactions. While some commend his honesty, others criticize the decision to use banned substances, regardless of the context. The photo of Mathieson in the gym, which went viral, has only intensified the debate.
Looking Forward
As Mathieson serves his suspension, he remains active in the bodybuilding community and continues to engage with his followers online. His story serves as a cautionary tale for athletes navigating life after professional sports. The incident underscores the need for comprehensive support systems to aid athletes in their transition and prevent similar occurrences in the future.
For Mathieson, the next few years will be a period of reflection and growth, both personally and professionally. As he looks to the future, the former AFL star remains committed to his new passion while acknowledging the lessons learned from his past experiences.
