Rhys Mathieson


Rhys Mathieson is a former professional Australian rules footballer who played for the Brisbane Lions in the Australian Football League. At 1.87 metres tall and weighing 84 kilograms, he plays as a midfielder and is known for his ability to win contested ball. On 20 October 2023 he was delisted by the Brisbane Lions.

AFL career

He was recruited by the Brisbane Lions with the 39th selection in the 2015 national draft. He played his first senior game in round 9 of the 2016 season against Melbourne. In his time at the Lions he has been known for his on-field antics, in particular his goal celebrations. Upon kicking his first AFL goal, Rhys celebrated with a 'shotgun' move made famous by Hawthorn's Mark Williams and faced some criticism for this showboating, while the Lions were losing to Greater Western Sydney in round 17, 2016.
After his delisting, Mathieson joined Brisbane-based QAFL side Wilston Grange. Mathieson also took up Bodybuilding, and took on a heavy supplement program to build muscle. Mathieson's body transformation led to suspicion from anti-doping authorities, and Mathieson was target-tested at the local sporting level. Mathieson tested positive for Oxymetholone and was suspended from football for 3 years, despite no longer playing professionally. Mathieson admitted he was more worried about his new bodybuilding hobby, and knew the risk he was taking with regards to his local footy career.

Statistics

Updated to the end of the 2022 season.
! colspan=3 | Career
! 72 !! 29 !! 15 !! 527 !! 588 !! 1115 !! 198 !! 221 !! 0.4 !! 0.2 !! 7.3 !! 8.2 !! 15.5 !! 2.8 !! 3.1 !! 2