- Rhys Mathieson has been nominated for the AFL mid-season draft
- The cult hero was removed from the Lions roster late last year.
- Mathieson has completely transformed his body while away
Former Brisbane Lions player Rhys Mathieson is attempting a return to the top flight after being delisted at the end of last season, and it appears he has been busy in the gym.
The 27-year-old midfielder known as ‘Beast Mode’ failed to make the Lions’ senior squad in 2023, leading to his removal from the squad.
However, the Lions cult hero is one of more than 50 former AFL players who have been nominated for the mid-season draft.
Looking at his social media posts, it’s pretty clear that Mathieson has spent a lot of his time in the gym adding bulk to his already strong frame.
Former Brisbane Lions player Rhys Mathieson has had an absurd body transformation since being delisted from the AFL last year.
Mathieson looks to return to top flight with AFL mid-season draft
A recent post on Instagram, which received more than 5,000 likes, shows him playing football and looking like a completely different player than the one who took the field in 2023.
Mathieson’s good friend and former teammate Mitch Robinson has commented on his incredible physical changes.
‘Absolutely killing my boy!’ he responded to a post. “Yes, the beast,” he wrote in another.
Footy fans also responded positively to Beast Mode’s wild transformation.
“How is this guy not in the AFL?” one Instagram user commented.
“Bro took the delisting personally,” another joked.
“No one is attacking you,” said a third.
Earlier this year, it was reported that Mathieson had joined QAFL side Wilston Grang Gorillas for the 2024 season.
The former Lions player has been busy in the gym since the end of last season
“In possibly the biggest signing in our club’s rich history, all Gorillas fans will be excited to watch Rhys tear up the QAFL competition,” the club posted on social media.
‘Matho’s signing has been one of the most talked about this offseason throughout the country.
‘Being based north of Brisbane and intending to stay local, the QAFL competition began to become a suitable destination. After meeting with the Gorillas, Matho is impressed with the program provided, excited about the trajectory of the playing group and feels that the Gorillas are a great fit.’