Passing the Torch is a new spin-off podcast series under the Credit to the Girls umbrella. It profiles the young players of the AFL Women's competition who will be at the forefront of the league over the next 10 years. Episodes can be listened to via the traditional Credit to the Girls feed, wherever you get your podcasts.
GOLD Coast midfielder Claudia Whitfort's addition to the Suns leadership group has coincided with a sense of belonging on the field.
Whitfort was a late convert to football, having grown up juggling netball, athletics and the beach running aspects of surf-lifesaving.
She spent two years for four games on Melbourne's list, before adding 10 in another two seasons at St Kilda.
After moving to Gold Coast for greater opportunities, the 2022 double-season saw her play 19 games for the entire year.
"I was pretty chuffed, to be honest. I'm so honoured to be voted in, and I haven't had a leadership role since I was back at school. It's a bit different for me, and it's definitely going to be a big learning opportunity, but I'm really excited to be part of the group," Whitfort said.
"I really enjoy helping others, and I see other people in the team who are in positions that I've been in before. You don't need the title of a leader to do that, but obviously the title helps.
The pacy Whitfort finished third in the Suns' best and fairest last season behind fellow midfielders Charlie Rowbottom and Ali Drennan.
"It was a great feeling. Coming from being on the fringe at two clubs and being named third in the best and fairest was unbelievable. It was the first season I'd played every game, so I was pretty thrilled," she said.
"Even just running patterns, when I started I was just running around like a headless chook. With the athlete I am, I'm not the best long-distance runner and I used to run out the game and not really affect anything. I've learnt and developed the more I play, where I go, and it's seriously helped my footy.
"I've learnt where to rest and where I need to impact, and that's really helped with my conservation of energy and to (become) more of a burst player again."
EPISODE GUIDE
1.42 – Athletics and surf-lifesaving to football at 16
5.10 – First AFLW stint at Melbourne
10.00 – From the Dees to the Saints to the Suns
12.35 – Third in Gold Coast's best and fairest
14.28 – Developing confidence on and off the field
18.33 – Appointment to the leadership group.
22.00 – Whitfort's retired VFL partner
25.17 – Leadership with Whitfort
