The Australian Football League (AFL) has confirmed that former Brisbane Lions player Rhys Mathieson has been handed a three-year suspension following an anti-doping violation. The ban, which is effective until August 10, 2027, stems from a positive test for Oxymetholone, an anabolic androgenic steroid, during an in-competition sample collected on August 10 last year. At the time, Mathieson was playing for Wilston Grange in the Queensland Australian Football League.
This development marks a significant moment in Mathieson’s career, as the 28-year-old had transitioned from professional football to pursuing a passion for bodybuilding. On Thursday, Mathieson openly acknowledged his awareness of the banned substance, explaining his decision to use it in the context of his new ambitions.
Mathieson’s Transition to Bodybuilding
After his departure from the AFL, Mathieson found a new interest in bodybuilding, a field where he felt free to explore various supplements. Speaking on the Rip Through It podcast, Mathieson expressed his enthusiasm for the science of body transformation and his aspirations to compete professionally in bodybuilding.
“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 said.
He further elaborated on his newfound passion, describing the meticulous regimen of meals, supplements, and workouts that bodybuilding demands. Mathieson admitted that his focus shifted significantly once he realized his AFL career was coming to an end.
Career Highlights and Challenges
Mathieson was drafted by the Brisbane Lions with pick 39 in the 2015 AFL draft and went on to play 72 games for the club. His last appearance for the Lions was in 2022. Despite his efforts, Mathieson was unable to secure a spot in the senior team during the 2023 season as the Lions advanced towards a Grand Final. Consequently, he was delisted at the end of that year.
His journey from a promising AFL player to a bodybuilding enthusiast underscores the complex transitions athletes often face when their professional sports careers conclude. Mathieson’s situation highlights the pressures and decisions athletes encounter as they redefine their identities and aspirations.
Implications and Future Prospects
The AFL’s decision to impose a three-year ban on Mathieson underscores the league’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of the sport. The use of performance-enhancing drugs remains a critical issue in sports worldwide, and governing bodies continue to enforce strict regulations to deter such practices.
Mathieson’s case also serves as a cautionary tale for athletes considering similar paths. The allure of bodybuilding, with its emphasis on physical transformation, can sometimes lead individuals to make choices that conflict with anti-doping regulations. As Mathieson navigates the consequences of his actions, his story may prompt broader discussions on the support systems available to athletes transitioning out of professional sports.
Looking ahead, Mathieson’s focus on bodybuilding remains undeterred. While his suspension bars him from participating in any sports governed by the World Anti-Doping Code, his ambition to become a professional bodybuilder persists. This determination reflects a personal journey of reinvention and the pursuit of new goals beyond the football field.
