FOOTBALL is booming in Queensland and so are the state’s AFL Draft hopefuls. Gold Coast Suns Academy standout Leonardo Lombard is the Maroon’s latest high-end prospect making his mark on the pathway, poised for a massive top-age campaign having already filled his junior resume.

Lombard blitzed the Suns’ preseason testing day on Sunday, achieving top five finishes in the 20-metre sprint, agility test, and yo-yo test. Such results prove a good measure of the unique blend of burst speed and gut running which have him pegged as a first round contender.

The 17-year-old, whose Cuban-Australian father Hector is a storied martial artist, gave up jiu jitsu as a youngster as he began to feature prominently in football representative sides from the age of 12. Most recently, he played in the Suns’ 2023 VFL premiership at just 16.

In 2024, Lombard is expected to turn out for the National Academy, Suns Academy and VFL side, and the Allies. The midfielder spoke on those opportunities, his experiences over the journey, and overall game at the Rookie Me-hosted preseason testing event in Brisbane.

Q&A: Leonardo Lombard

Q: Leo, what kind of learnings have you taken out of being in this year’s National Academy?

A: I think it’s a great opportunity. Obviously all the kids there are probably the best in Australia, so it’s good seeing them and training with others who bring 100 per cent intensity. Most of the time we all push each other well. And yeah, I think it’s pretty stacked class for 2024.

Q: Who from that group are you looking forward to playing alongside?

A: I’d probably say Jagga Smith, Sid Draper. I get along well with ‘Grossy’ (Tom Gross) and Luke Trainor.  Hopefully we play well.

Q: What are your strengths on the field?

A: I’d say my explosion at the contest, that’s the main one, and probably my ability to get the ball as well as endurance and gut running.

Q: What are you still looking to work on?

A: Probably a bit of my decision making and skills on my left (side). Also trying to get around goals a bit more than last year.

Q: What kind of role do you anticipate to play this year?

A: I play mainly mid but I’ll rotate forward every now and then… I’m pretty sure in the VFL I’m playing more of a pressure forward, half-forward role. Then I’ll just play midfield for all the other teams and hopefully mid-forward for the (National Academy).

Q: How was it playing in last year’s VFL premiership?

A: It was unreal, it was crazy. I wasn’t expecting much but it was unreal. I don’t even know what to say.

Q: Did you expect to play that late in the season?

A: No way, I had no idea. Didn’t really think I was ready for it but the coaches told me I was ready.

Q: What have you learned off the Suns’ recent draftees?

A: Just give it your best. They work on their strengths so much, so it just gives me confidence to play with confidence and know what you’re good at.

Q: Have you worked on your craft with them?

A: A big improvement of mine is probably my ground balls so I’ve been getting Jake (Rogers) to help me out with the ground balls a lot, considering he’s very clean below knees.

Q: How often have you been able to train with the AFL side?

A: I spent five weeks with the Suns AFL squad over the pre-season and got to train in the mids.

Q: What are your goals for the year?

A: Just to stay consistent, that’s the main one. Also to get around goals a lot more and probably make every single side. Then the main goal is to get drafted obviously.