Claudia Whitfort has earned her first Top 3 finish at the Gold Coast SUNS AFLW Club Champion.

Only bettered by midfield compatriot Charlie Rowbottom in terms of average clearances (4.5 per game) and contested possessions (10.4 per game), Whitfort’s ability to get the ball moving forward for the SUNS was a cornerstone of her game.

Whitfort joined the SUNS ahead of Season Six and made an immediate impression, named as the Coach’s Award recipient and finishing sixth in last season’s Club Champion before firming her spot as one of the AFLW’s finest young talents in Season Seven.

01:12

AFLW Club Champion | Third Place

Claudia Whitfort caps off an impressive year with her maiden Top 3 finish at the Club Champion Awards.

She featured in all 10 games and she led the SUNS in both metres gained (254.1 per game) and Inside 50s (four per game).

The 23-year-old has registered at least 10 contested possessions in her last six matches of the season, highlighted by a season-high 14 to go with 21 touches in Round 9 against Carlton.

After reaching her 30-game milestone in Round 7, she’ll be looking to continue to lead by example in one of the league’s most exciting midfields for seasons to come.