StreetSmarts SUNS Academy graduate Leo Lombard has been confirmed to make his AFL debut on Saturday as the SUNS host Fremantle at People First Stadium.

Lombard was told the news by his mum Nicky today, and becomes the club’s first AFL debutant of 2025.

“It’s a fantastic story for Leo to have earned his opportunity to play for the club he grew up supporting after playing his community football with the Burleigh Bombers and Broadbeach Cats here on the Gold Coast,” GC SUNS General Manager of Football Performance Wayne Campbell said.

“He’s worked exceptionally hard for this opportunity and has shown amazing passion for our club and his teammates in such a short period of time. It’s something Leo and his mum Nicky should be extremely proud of.

“It’s also another success story for our StreetSmarts SUNS Academy who do a tremendous job at developing our homegrown talent to be ready to play AFL football.”

Lombard joined the SUNS with Pick 9 in the 2024 Telstra AFL Draft after winning the prestigious Larke Medal as the best and fairest player in the 2024 Under 18 National Championships, as well as Male Academy Player of the Year at the SUNS’ 2024 Club Champion.

The former StreetSmarts SUNS Academy captain was also named the Allies MVP and was recognised with selection in the Under 18 All Australian team.

Lombard impressed in his first pre-season at AFL level and was firming for an early-season debut before a shoulder injury in the pre-season match against Brisbane saw the 18-year-old undergo shoulder surgery in February.

The powerful mid-forward has since returned for two VFL matches where he has shown his trademark ferocity, last week recording 22 disposals, three clearances, five tackles and five score involvements against Sandringham.

Saturday’s Round 12 match against Fremantle kicks off at 1:20pm at People First Stadium, with mid-year membership options the best way to guarantee access.

Click here to purchase tickets via Ticketek, starting at $12 for juniors and $30 for adults.