Gold Coast rookie Leonardo Lombard will debut this Saturday against Fremantle after recovering from a pre-season shoulder injury in recent weeks.
Lombard was sidelined from the Suns' tune-up cash with Gold Coast prior to his debut season in what was an unfortunate setback for the teenager.
He returned to the field last week in the VFL, recording 15 disposals, five marks and three tackles against Box Hill in what was a successful stint for the reigning No.9 draft pick.
The Suns Academy product will suit up for his first AFL game this weekend when Gold Coast host Fremantle at People First Stadium as they look to continue their winning streak.
โIt'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,โ Suns football boss Wayne Campbell said.
โHe'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.
โIt'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.โ
Despite being halfway through his first season with the Suns' senior squad, an AFL debut has been a long time coming for Lombard, who developed as one of the best prospects from the Suns' pathways.
He debuted in the VFL as a 16-year-old and even played a role in the Suns' run to the premiership that year, kicking a goal in the flag-clinching win over Werribee.
Lombard returned to the VFL in his draft year and excelled, with a 22-disposal and three-goal outing against Coburg a highlight performance.
Lombard becomes the Suns' first debutant of the year, with his maiden appearance to come in front of a home crowd as Gold Coast eye top spot on the ladder.
