In one of the most talked-about sporting controversies of 2025, former Brisbane Lions midfielder Rhys Mathieson has been handed a three-year ban from all levels of football after testing positive for a performance-enhancing drug. The 28-year-old, who had retired from the AFL just a year earlier, admitted to using the banned substance oxymetholone, commonly known as an anabolic steroid.

According to a report by The Herald Sun, Mathieson tested positive while playing for Wilston Grange in the Queensland Australian Football League (QAFL) last year. The result triggered a full investigation under the AFL’s Anti-Doping Code, which confirmed that Mathieson’s sample contained traces of a banned anabolic agent.

This revelation came as a shock to fans who once celebrated Mathieson’s fierce playing style and unforgettable “shotgun” goal celebrations that earned him the nickname “Beast Mode.”

From AFL star to suspension: how it unfolded

Rhys Mathieson was drafted by the Brisbane Lions in 2015 and went on to play 72 games for the club between 2016 and 2022. Known for his tough tackling and fearless midfield play, he was a fan favorite during his tenure. His final appearance for the Lions came during the 2022 AFL Preliminary Final, where Brisbane suffered a heartbreaking loss.

After announcing his retirement in 2023, Mathieson pivoted his focus toward bodybuilding, frequently sharing updates of his muscular transformation on Instagram. He reportedly gained more than 10 kilograms of muscle post-retirement and began documenting his intense training journey.

However, his new fitness pursuits soon landed him in trouble. Despite retiring from the AFL, Mathieson remained subject to AFL’s anti-doping rules for up to 12 months after his final game — a regulation designed to deter players from turning to banned substances immediately after leaving the sport.

Because his positive test occurred within that window, Mathieson was still under the AFL’s jurisdiction, leading to a provisional suspension in early 2024.

“They came at 5am” — Mathieson recalls surprise drug test visit

In a candid conversation on his Rip Through It podcast last year, Mathieson recounted the morning when anti-doping officers unexpectedly arrived at his parents’ house before dawn.

“So, 5am in the morning, buzzer is going off at the front door. I don’t live there anymore — my mum and dad do,” Mathieson said.
“My poor mum is thinking, ‘What the hell is happening?’ She sends my old man to the door — he’s in his dressing gown — and these guys say they’re from anti-doping. He thought they were salesmen and shut the door on them!”

He later laughed about the situation on the podcast, but the humor faded once the test results came back. The banned substance oxymetholone — known for enhancing muscle mass and strength — led to the most severe punishment of his career.

Reduced sentence due to admission

Although the standard penalty for such an offense under the AFL’s anti-doping code is four years, Mathieson’s cooperation with investigators earned him a reduction to three years. The AFL Anti-Doping Tribunal acknowledged that he admitted intentional use but emphasized that the substance was used for “non-football purposes” — specifically for bodybuilding.

As a result, Mathieson’s official ban extends until August 10, 2027, though he will be eligible to resume training in June 2027.

A career overshadowed by controversy

Mathieson’s story reflects a recurring theme in modern sports — the blurred line between athletic performance and personal image. After leaving professional football, his social media presence grew, with thousands of followers praising his transformation. However, the line between dedication and doping ultimately caught up with him.

His case follows several high-profile doping incidents in Australian sports, including former Essendon Football Club players’ 2012 scandal, which remains one of the darkest chapters in AFL history.

For many fans, this ban represents not only a personal setback for Mathieson but also a reminder that the AFL’s fight against performance-enhancing drugs continues well beyond the professional field.

Life after the AFL

Since his retirement, Mathieson has ventured into podcasting and fitness coaching, often posting motivational content. While he has yet to issue a formal public statement following the ban, insiders close to the former midfielder say he is “disappointed but determined” to rebuild his reputation once the suspension expires.

He was also seen supporting former teammates like Josh Dunkley after Brisbane Lions’ premiership win last year — a bittersweet reminder of his own playing days.

Public reaction and lessons learned

Fans across social media expressed mixed emotions. While some sympathized with Mathieson’s post-retirement struggles, others criticized him for tarnishing his sporting image. The debate reignited discussions about whether the AFL should continue testing retired athletes under its anti-doping rules.

Sports ethicists have noted that Mathieson’s case highlights the need for stronger education on doping rules for retiring athletes, ensuring they understand ongoing compliance obligations.

For now, Mathieson remains sidelined, banned from playing at any level — from community football to national leagues — until 2027. Whether he returns to the field or continues his journey in the fitness world remains to be seen.

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