Footy world melts over ‘best thing ever’ after debutant’s goal celebration

A Gold Coast Suns debutant has won over the hearts of the football world after delivering a goal celebration for the ages.

Gold Coast Suns debutant Leo Lombard stole the show on Saturday afternoon at People First Stadium.

The 18-year-old was surprised by his mum through the week who presented him with his jumper ahead of his first game.

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The tear-jerking scenes then turned into unbridled jubilation against the Fremantle Dockers when the ninth pick in the 2024 draft hit the scoreboard.

A perfect tap from Jarrod Witts found Lombard at the front of the pack deep inside the Suns forward 50 with the livewire running in before snapping truly.

Lombard then exploded as he celebrated as his teammates came rushing in from all over the paddock.

Watch the heartwarming scenes in the video player above

What a moment. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

As is custom now in the AFL after kicking a goal, Lombard made his way to the bench but the celebrations didn’t stop.

On his way off the ground he flexed his arm right before pointing to his mum up in the crowd.

When he reached the bench he continued celebrating with his teammates who were loving the moment just as much as the youngster.

Leo Lombard you little ripper.

The scenes quickly whipped around the football world with fans far and wide loving every second of the moment.

“You only get one chance to introduce yourself in AFL – and what a way to do it!” Kelli Underwood said

“A lifelong dream realised. He’s been wearing the Suns jumper since he was 12.

“There’s one for Mum … she works three jobs to keep his dream alive. He’s enjoying his moment – and so too is everyone in the house.

“I’ve got goosebumps on goosebumps.”

Fox Footy commentator Dwayne Russell added: “What a beautiful moment that is!”

AFL Media’s Nat Edwards wrote on X: “Leo Lombard’s goal celebration. Best thing I’ve seen all year. Pure joy. This is why I love this game!”

Another fan added: “Leo Lombard goal celebration as good as it gets.”

A third wrote: “Won’t be a more wholesome thing in footy all year than the Leo Lombard celebration.”

His teammates couldn’t get enough. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

Lombard’s showstopping moment came only minutes after Suns star Matt Rowell was placed on report for striking Neil Erasmus.

Before a boundary throw in the two men were indulging in a bit of push and shove when a left hand from Rowell slid off Erasmus’ shoulder and collected him on the chin.

The Suns clawed their way back into the contest in the second quarter after the Dockers burst out of the blocks in the first term.

The Dockers kicked five goals to two to hold a 20-point lead at the first break before the Suns fought back to make it only a six-point difference at halftime.

Originally published as Footy world melts over ‘best thing ever’ after debutant’s goal celebration