Lawyer David Tamanika, for Adam Harlock, 27, said his client, who also competed in powerlifting competitions, used the substances in part to help with his physical ailments.

"Some of the substances were passed on by others who said they would help with different aspects of recovery as he suffers from a bad shoulder and bad back," Mr Taminika told Ballarat Magistrates Court on Tuesday.

Police prosecutor Senior Constable Steve Kent told the court police raided Harlock's Wendouree property on September 4, finding 45 vials of human growth hormone in the kitchen fridge, a container of Clenbuterol - legally prescribed in Australia as an airway ventilator for horses - and various vials of testosterone or steroid-based substances.

Two vials of Trenbolone - a steroid used by veterinarians to build muscle on livestock - were also found at Harlock's property.

Harlock's egotistical desire to compete on stage in bodybuilding competitions did not give him the right to abuse these illegal substances, Mr Taminika said.

Harlock pleaded guilty to 16 charges, including 10 counts of possess or use a schedule 11 drug of dependence - namely human growth hormone and testosterone - and three charges of possess a schedule four poison. He also pleaded guilty to three counts of use a drug of dependence.

Magistrate Cynthia Toose told Harlock, a father of three who had been before the court previously for testosterone possession, he would have gone to prison, but for his guilty plea.

"I find it amazing someone would put their health at risk using a substance like this," said Ms Toose in fining Harlock $3500 with conviction.

"It sends a bad message to young people in the community about abusing these substances.

"You are too old to fall into the trap of using these substances to gain physical advantage."