Leonardo Lombard, son of former UFC fighter and Cuban Olympian Héctor "Lightning" Lombard, is making waves in the Australian Football League (AFL). The 17-year-old's exceptional talent and rapid rise in the sport may even prompt a significant rule change in the AFL Draft.
Rising Star Leonardo Lombard
Leonardo Lombard, a product of the Gold Coast Northern Academy, has already achieved notable success at a young age. He won a Victorian Football League (VFL) premiership as a 16-year-old, a remarkable feat that showcased his early potential. This year, he is a top-5 prospect for the upcoming AFL Draft, with many expecting him to join the Gold Coast Suns.
Lombard's impressive performance includes averaging 27 disposals in the National Championships and leading the country in pressure acts. His powerful forward half midfielder playstyle, marked by top-end speed and a penetrating right boot, has drawn attention across the league.
Potential AFL Draft Rule Change
Lombard's ascendancy has sparked discussions about tightening the AFL Draft rules, specifically regarding Northern Academy players. His rise mirrors the journey of Jamarra Ugle-Hagan in 2020, which led to rule adjustments for Next Generation Academy players. With multiple top-30 selections from Northern Academies last year, Lombard's draft stock could accelerate further restrictions as early as 2025.
Hector Lombard's Influence on Australian MMA and AFL
Héctor Lombard, Leonardo's father, is a renowned figure in mixed martial arts (MMA). A black belt Judoka and former UFC fighter, Héctor had a decorated career that included stints in the UFC and Bellator. His influence on Australian MMA was significant, inspiring many local fighters with his intense fighting style and physical prowess.
Hector Lombard's Australian fight record is impressive, having competed in several high-profile events. Notably, he fought and won against Brian Ebersole at Cage Fighting Championships 3 (CFC 3) in 2007, demonstrating his dominance in the middleweight division. Additionally, he had a significant victory over Kyle Noke at CFC 4 in 2007, further solidifying his reputation in the Australian MMA scene. These bouts helped build his international profile and paved the way for his entry into larger organizations like the UFC and Bellator.
This fighting spirit and physicality have evidently been passed down to Leonardo. Known for his strong hips and ability to stand up in tackles, Leonardo's physical attributes and poise under pressure are reminiscent of his father's combat skills. He has adopted his father’s defensive techniques, showcasing an impressive ability to roll the shoulders and evade tackles, adding a unique edge to his football game.
Future Prospects
As a member of the Suns Academy, Leonardo Lombard is slated to be a first-round pick in this year's AFL Draft. His performance in the Talent League and VFL, where he averages 25 and 28 disposals respectively, combined with his 2.3 goals and score assists for the Allies, underscores his potential to be a game-changer in the AFL.
Leonardo Lombard's burgeoning career is not only a testament to his talent but also a reflection of his father's legacy. As he prepares to enter the AFL, the young star is poised to leave a lasting impact, potentially rewriting draft rules and continuing the Lombard family's tradition of excellence.
For more visit: www.australianmma.com.au
