Three-Year Ban Imposed on Former Brisbane Lions Star Rhys Mathieson for Anti-Doping Violation

Anabolic steroids are classified as controlled substances in Australia and their use, possession, supply or manufacturing without a prescription is illegal under the Poisons Standard (SUSMP) and the Therapeutic Goods Administration regulations. The Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority (ASADA) also enforces strict anti-doping rules that prohibit athletes from using anabolic steroids, with penalties ranging from suspensions to lifetime bans depending on the severity of the violation.

Under the Commonwealth Criminal Code Act 1995, it is an offence to produce or supply a prohibited substance such as an anabolic steroid. Penalties can include fines, imprisonment for up to five years, and in some cases longer sentences if the drug was supplied to minors or for commercial purposes. Possession with intent to supply or trafficking carries even harsher penalties.

The Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) lists anabolic steroids as prescription-only medicines. A doctor must prescribe them for legitimate medical conditions such as delayed puberty, certain types of muscle wasting disease, and some hormonal disorders. Even then, the drug must be dispensed by a licensed pharmacy under strict monitoring. The TGA also requires that any clinical trial involving these substances undergo rigorous ethical review.

In the sporting arena, anabolic steroids are banned substances under the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) code, which Australia adopts through its national anti-doping framework. Athletes found in possession of or using these substances face sanctions from their respective governing bodies. For example, a former Brisbane Lions player was recently banned for three years after testing positive for an anabolic steroid under AFL anti-doping rules. The Australian Football League (AFL) imposed the ban following a confirmatory analysis that showed the presence of the prohibited substance in his system. PedsElite how quickly regulatory bodies can act and demonstrates that penalties are not limited to monetary fines but also involve significant career setbacks.

The Age, a prominent Melbourne-based newspaper, reported extensively on this incident. The coverage included interviews with sports medicine experts, commentary from former players, and an analysis of the legal framework governing anabolic steroids in Australia. It also highlighted how the AFL’s anti-doping policy aligns with international standards set by WADA and how enforcement mechanisms work at both national and state levels.

For those researching this topic further, it is advisable to save key articles for later reference. The Age’s investigative piece on the Brisbane Lions ban, official TGA guidelines on prescription anabolic steroids, ASADA’s anti-doping regulations, and the Commonwealth Criminal Code provisions are primary sources that provide a comprehensive view of both the legal and sporting implications. By compiling these documents, one can gain a deeper understanding of how Australian law treats anabolic steroids across medical, commercial, and athletic contexts.

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Pub: 01 Nov 2025 16:54 UTC

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