Former Brisbane Lions midfielder Rhys Mathieson has been handed a three-year suspension following a positive test for the anabolic steroid oxymetholone. The ban, which was first reported by the Herald Sun, prohibits Mathieson from playing football until August 10, 2027, although he will be allowed to resume training in June of that year.
In a candid discussion on his podcast Rip Through It, co-hosted with former teammate Mitch Robinson, Mathieson opened up about the circumstances surrounding his 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. “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.”
From AFL to Bodybuilding: A Journey of Transformation
Since retiring from the AFL in 2023, Mathieson has documented his bodybuilding journey on social media, gaining a significant following as he added over 10 kilograms to his frame. The Queenslander last played competitive football in the Queensland Australian Football League (QAFL) in 2023, before being provisionally suspended due to the positive drug test within 12 months of his AFL retirement.
Mathieson explained that his use of the banned substance was for non-football reasons, which was considered during the determination of his ban. “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.
Understanding the Implications of Doping in Sports
The use of performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) has long been a contentious issue in sports, with athletes facing severe penalties for violations. Mathieson’s case underscores the challenges athletes face when transitioning to new careers, especially in areas like bodybuilding where PEDs are more prevalent. According to experts, the pressure to achieve rapid physical transformations can lead to risky decisions.
“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 or whatever, and some of the boys had their own, and I was willing to, you know, put anything, sort of, in my body to transform,” Mathieson admitted.
His comments highlight a broader issue within sports communities, where the line between legal supplements and banned substances can often become blurred. Mathieson expressed his passion for bodybuilding and the science behind body transformation, noting that his approach was vastly different from his AFL days. “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 shared.
The Road Ahead: Consequences and Reflections
While Mathieson acknowledges his mistakes, he also reflects on the cultural differences between professional and local sports environments. “But at the same point, I am only getting ready for local footy. These guys (I’m playing against), you know, they drink beers before the game, they go out the night before the game. I am going to take whatever pre-workout. I am going to take whatever substance I want. I am going to be OK,” he reasoned.
The suspension marks a significant turning point in Mathieson’s life, as he navigates the consequences of his actions and considers his future in sports. His last appearance for Brisbane was in the 2022 preliminary final loss, capping a career that began in 2016. As he looks ahead, Mathieson’s story serves as a cautionary tale for athletes considering similar paths.
Moving forward, the former midfielder’s experience may prompt discussions about the support systems available to athletes transitioning out of professional sports, and the role of education in preventing similar incidents. As Mathieson continues to share his journey, both on his podcast and through social media, his insights could contribute to a broader understanding of the pressures and pitfalls athletes face in their post-career endeavors.
