The Australian Football League (AFL) has confirmed that former Brisbane Lions player Rhys Mathieson has been handed a three-year suspension due to an anti-doping violation. The suspension follows the detection of the banned substance Oxymetholone in an in-competition sample collected from Mathieson on August 10 last year. At the time, Mathieson was playing for Wilston Grange in the Queensland Australian Football League.
The substance, Oxymetholone, is classified as an Anabolic Androgenic Steroid under the World Anti-Doping Code. The ban means Mathieson is prohibited from participating in any sports governed by this code until August 10, 2027.
Mathieson’s Response and Future Aspirations
On Thursday, Mathieson addressed the situation, acknowledging his awareness of the substance’s banned status. The 28-year-old expressed his shift in focus from professional football to bodybuilding, a passion he has developed since his AFL career concluded.
“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 shared on the Rip Through It podcast.
Mathieson elaborated on his enthusiasm for bodybuilding, stating, “I liked the science behind transforming your body. I really have a passion for it, I like to see these guys competing. And one day maybe I will compete. So that is a goal, I would love to be from a pro footy player to a pro bodybuilder.”
AFL Career and Transition
Mathieson’s AFL career spanned 72 games with the Brisbane Lions, with his last appearance in 2022. Drafted with pick 39 in the 2015 draft, Mathieson was unable to secure a spot in the Lions’ senior team in 2023 as the club advanced towards the Grand Final. Consequently, he was delisted at the end of that year.
His transition from football to bodybuilding reflects a broader trend among athletes who seek new avenues after their sports careers. The discipline and regimen required in bodybuilding have captivated Mathieson, who spoke passionately about his new routine involving “timings of meals and supplements and vitamins and pre workouts and all these proteins.”
Implications and Broader Context
The AFL’s decision to suspend Mathieson underscores the league’s commitment to maintaining a drug-free sport. The use of performance-enhancing drugs remains a critical issue across various sports, with governing bodies continually striving to uphold integrity and fair competition.
Experts in sports ethics and anti-doping policies emphasize the importance of education and awareness among athletes regarding banned substances. The case of Rhys Mathieson serves as a reminder of the potential consequences athletes face when they deviate from these guidelines.
As Mathieson looks towards a future in bodybuilding, his journey may offer insights into the challenges and opportunities athletes encounter when transitioning to new sports disciplines. The narrative of transformation, both physically and professionally, continues to resonate within the sporting community.
By the Numbers: Mathieson played 72 games for the Lions, was drafted in 2015, and will be banned until 2027.
Moving forward, the AFL and other sports organizations are likely to reinforce their anti-doping education programs to prevent similar incidents. For Mathieson, the path ahead involves navigating the bodybuilding world while reflecting on the lessons learned from his AFL experience.
