Defending Gold Coast SUNS AFLW Club Champion Claudia Whitfort has penned a contract extension which ties her to the club until the end of 2027.
The deal will see Whitfort remain in SUNS colours for the next four AFLW seasons.
The 24-year-old, who is currently preparing for her fourth AFLW campaign on the Gold Coast, is thrilled to have her future secured in red, gold and blue.
“It really is an honour to have signed on for the next four seasons here at the SUNS. As a 24-year-old now, knowing that this contract will take me until I’m 28 is really exciting,” Whitfort said.
“I love everything about this club. It was a big decision to move from Melbourne to the Gold Coast, but it’s the best one I’ve made. We’re building something special here at the SUNS and I can’t wait to be part of it.
“The group we’ve got, we’re like a band of sisters. We have so many players really just beginning their careers and I can’t wait to see them develop over the next few years. I think the sky is the limit for us.
Whitfort has been a consistent performer in the midfield for the SUNS, missing just the one match since debuting for the club in Season Six and having a career-best season in 2023.
She played all 11 matches and ranked inside the league’s top 10 for clearances, inside 50s and contested possessions.
She recorded 25+ disposals on five occasions on her way to an inaugural SUNS Club Champion honour to go with an equal second-placed finish in the AFLW Best & Fairest.
Gold Coast SUNS Head of Women’s Football Fiona Sessarago says the club is thrilled to have locked in its defending Club Champion for years to come.
“It’s fantastic to have Claudia commit to the club for the next four seasons,” Sessarago said.
“Since making the leap and moving her life to the Gold Coast in 2021, Claudia has developed into not only an integral member of our AFLW team on-field, but a leader and role model off the field too.
“What she has achieved so far is a testament to her dedication to improving every day, both individually and alongside her teammates, and we’re looking forward to seeing what’s next in her journey here at the SUNS.”
GC SUNS 2024 AFLW memberships are on sale now from just $40.
