Gold Coast SUNS draftee Leo Lombard’s stunning draft year has been recognised ahead of this year’s Gold Coast Sports Awards.

The 18-year-old is one of six rising Gold Coast sporting talents named as finalist in the Junior Sports Star of the Year category following a year which saw him establish himself as the best junior male footballer in the state.

Lombard earned several accolades in 2024, including the prestigious Larke Medal as the best and fairest player in last year’s Under 18 National Championships, and the Male Academy Player of the Year at the SUNS Club Champion.

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

In November, he became the fifth Academy product in the last two years to be drafted to the club, selected by the SUNS with Pick 9 in the 2024 AFL Draft.

Lombard follows several SUNS players who have previously been nominated including fellow young star and current teammate Jed Walter.

The 56^th edition of the Gold Coast Sports Awards will be held at RACV Royal Pines on Saturday, March 1.