Leo Lombard Biography

Leo Lombard is the AFL Rising Star nominee for the opening round of 2026 after kicking two goals from 15 disposals in the Suns' 56-point rout of Geelong.

"I was very disappointed in last season. To be honest, I didn't play my best footy at all," Lombard said.

"I had a conversation with 'Dimma' (coach Damien Hardwick) in the off-season and he just put a lot of confidence in me and had so much belief in me and what I could do.

"Hearing that and hearing what he had to say really built so much confidence in myself and I'm glad I got to showcase it on Friday night."

Leo Lombard recounts the moment when he kicked a goal in his debut game for the Gold Coast.

Not only did the 18-year-old high-five almost every teammate, but while he sprinted from the field for a rotation, pointed in the direction of his mum and mates in the crowd to celebrate.

"It was surreal. I was dreaming of that as a kid. I don't really take control over my emotions, I think my emotions took control of me," he said.

"It was good to share that with the team, myself, the crowd and my family. (Mum) was in disbelief. She couldn't believe what was real or not real. She was happy-as."

Leo Lombard makes his AFL debut for Gold Coast with 8 disposals (2 kicks and 6 handballs), a tackle and a goal in a 11-point loss to Fremantle.

Leo Lombard will miss the start of the 2025 season due to a dislocated shoulder suffered during a match simulation against Brisbane.

"We will prioritise Leo's long-term health so expect he will miss some time as he rehabilitates his shoulder, with a timeline to be determined in due course," Gold Coast head physiotherapist Lindsay Bull said.

Gold Coast select Leo Lombard with pick No.9 in the 2024 National Draft.

Allies star Leo Lombard and Vic Country forward Harvey Langford tie for the Larke Medal as the best players during the Marsh Under-18 National Championships with 21 votes each.