The nickname “Beast Mode” once fit Rhys Mathieson perfectly. He was bold, fearless, and physical through his AFL career (AFL former player banned). Yet the same intensity that fueled his rise also shaped his downfall. His post-career bodybuilding obsession, combined with social-media fame, ended in a three-year ban from football.
Early years and breakthrough at Brisbane Lions –AFL former player banned
Mathieson grew up in Geelong, admired for his toughness in junior football. He joined the Brisbane Lions after the 2015 draft and debuted in 2016. From the start, he loved contested football. Coaches praised his fearless tackling. Teammates called him “Beast Mode.”
Through seven seasons, he played 72 AFL games and became known for his grit rather than flair. Even though he never became a weekly starter, his energy gave Brisbane’s midfield a spark.
Career highlight and signature moments (AFL former player banned)
Mathieson’s highlights came in bursts. He starred in several wins during Brisbane’s 2019 revival and later featured in big finals campaigns. His celebrations and passion made him a cult figure. Fans loved his enthusiasm, even when his game time dipped.
Eventually, the Lions list grew deeper, and he was delisted at the end of 2023. The door to AFL glory closed, but a new chapter soon began.
AFL former player banned – social media reveals
After leaving the AFL, Mathieson turned to bodybuilding. He documented gym sessions online, sharing progress photos and diet clips. Within months, he had added nearly 10 kilograms of muscle 【News.com.au】.
The transformation drew attention. Followers praised his discipline, but the change also raised eyebrows. Visibility, as it turned out, created new risk. Social-media fame invited scrutiny from both fans and regulators.
AFL former player banned : The doping test and sanction story
Ex-AFL player faces mega ban over performance-enhancing drugs
A former AFL player has been banned from playing football at any level after testing positive to performance-enhancing substances. Full context, reaction, and what it means for his future.
While playing community-level football for Wilston Grange (QAFL), Mathieson was randomly drug-tested 【Fox Sports】. The sample came back positive for oxymetholone, a banned anabolic steroid.
He admitted using it intentionally but said it was for fitness goals, not football advantage 【News.com.au】. Because of that admission, the maximum four-year ban was reduced to three years, lasting until August 2027. He may resume training in June 2027 but cannot compete before then. The decision shocked fans who still followed his post-AFL journey. Overnight, “Beast Mode” became “Ban Mode.”
AFL former player banned : What this means for his legacy and personal brand
Mathieson’s story is now split in two halves — the warrior who inspired Brisbane’s rise and the influencer who crossed a line. His achievements on the field remain, but reputation matters.
Brand credibility, once built on effort and charisma, now carries a blemish. For sponsors and supporters, trust is fragile. Yet his case also highlights the pressure many ex-athletes face when redefining identity. The chase for relevance and physique can blur into dangerous territory.
Rhys Mathieson Career and Aftermath
| Career Phase | Key Fact | Implication |
|---|---|---|
| AFL games (2016–22) News.com.au | 72 games at Brisbane | Mid-level impact |
| Post-AFL transformation News.com.au | +10 kg muscle, bodybuilding focus | Visibility increased risk |
| Ban until 2027 Fox Sports | Long absence from competition | Reputation damage and career pause |
Rhys Mathieson’s path is dramatic — early promise, passionate play, self-reinvention, and a heavy fall. His journey reminds athletes that ambition without awareness can backfire. Compliance, transparency, and guidance matter long after the final siren.
For fans and clubs, it’s also a reflection: sporting culture rewards drive, but real success includes knowing when to stop pushing limits.
