The most jacked player in footy tries to restart his AFL career after being dumped by Brisbane – and he looks VERY different now

Former Brisbane Lions player Rhys Mathieson is trying to get back into the top flight after being delisted at the end of last season – and he looks like he’s been very busy in the gym.

The 27-year-old midfielder known as ‘Beast Mode’ couldn’t break into the Lions senior team in 2023, which led to his removal from the roster. 

However, the Lions cult hero is one of more than 50 former AFL players who have nominated for the mid-season draft.

Going off his social media posts, it’s pretty clear that Mathieson has been spending a lot of his time in the gym adding bulk to his already strong frame.

Mathieson is looking to break back into the top flight with the AFL mid-season draft

One recent Instagram post, which has received more than 5000 likes, shows him playing footy and looking like a completely different player than the one that took the field in 2023. 

Mathieson’s good friend and ex-teammate, Mitch Robinson, has commented on his incredible physique changes.

‘Absolutely killing it my guy!’ he replied to one post. ‘Yeah the beast,’ he wrote on another. 

Footy fans also responded positively to Beast Mode’s wild transformation.

‘How is this guy not in the AFL,’ commented one Instagram user.

‘Bro took delisting personal,’ joked another.

‘No one is tackling you,’ said a third. 

Earlier this year, it was reported that Mathieson had joined QAFL side Wilston Grang Gorillas for the 2024 season.

The ex-Lions player has been busy in the gym since the end of last season

‘In arguably the biggest signing in our clubs rich history, all Gorillas supporters will be excited to see how Rhys rips the QAFL competition apart,’ the club posted to social media.

‘Matho’s signature has been one of the most talked about this off-season, across the nation.

‘Being settled north of Brisbane and having every intention to stay local, the QAFL competition started to become a suitable destination. After meeting with the Gorillas, Matho is impressed with the program provided, excited with the trajectory of the playing group and feels the Gorillas are the perfect fit.’