A Brisbane Lions great has opened up on how taking 12 months off drinking alcohol has given him a new lease of life, improved his health and helped him build better relationships.
Thomas Rockliff, who captained the Lions between 2015 and 2016, says he is now ‘a better father’, is ‘more consistent’ and was no longer anxious about small issues in life after laying off the grog for a year.
The 35-year-old has been candid about his health journey in the years following his retirement from professional footy in 2021.
Rockliff enjoyed a distinguished 13-year career in the AFL, playing with the Lions for eight years before signing with Port Adelaide in 2018, where the former midfielder would return 13 goals across 54 appearances before hanging up his boots due to injury.
His retirement came somewhat prematurely, with Rockliff, then 31, stating that blood clots had developed in his calf and lungs following a surgical procedure on his knee, which ultimately led to his decision to call time on his career.
Since then, the 2014 All-Australian has pursued a career as a commercial financial broker, founding his own firm, Rockliff Finance.
Former AFL star Thomas Rockliff (pictured left with Craig McRae) has opened up on the surprising benefits he’s experienced since giving up alcohol
Rockliff, 35, who captained the Lions between 2015 and 2016, says he is now ‘a better father’, is ‘more consistent’
The former Brisbane star, who retired in 2021, revealed his insane body transformation on Instagram last year
But away from the office he has also been on an inspiring health journey.
‘Today marks 12 months of being alcohol free for me. I thought I would share some of my experiences,’ Rockliff said.
‘After the initial first three weeks of: “I need a beer, it’s Friday. I mowed the lawns, better crack a beer. Footy’s on, time for a beer. Cooking a BBQ, I need a beer. Playing golf, better crack one. Having a steak, need a red. Mexican night, better have a Corona.
‘It was easy. The first 3-weeks were tough, but once I broke those habits, I got so many benefits.
‘I am a better father. I am more mentally sharp. I am more consistent. I don’t sweat the small stuff. I sleep better. No anxiety the morning after. I work harder. I am fitter. I am overall a better person. I am happier. I am content.’
It also comes after the former footy star had, back in June 2024, taken to Instagram to showcase his insane six-month body transformation.
He published two screenshots of himself in January and in June 2024, stating that he weighed 103.2kg in January, while in a later picture, he cut a much more toned figure, having dropped to 18.9kg in weight.
The ex-footy star added that he was an advocate of taking away from booze but stressed that happiness was paramount.
Rockliff took to social media to tell fans he was a ‘big advocate’ of giving up the grog but urged others to just do ‘whatever makes you happy and gives you a purpose’
Since his retirement in 2021, Rockliff has gone on to found a financial services firm where he works as a commercial broker
‘I have improved my life 10-fold, and I see no upside to drinking. I am yet to have someone give me an upside to drinking.
‘Anyway, if you are thinking of having a break, I am a big advocate for no grog, give it a go and see if your life gets better.
‘Conversely, if you want to go have a beer and enjoy yourself, get after it. Do whatever makes you happy and gives you a purpose.
‘You only have to answer to the man in the mirror.’
