THE Carlton Football Club is delighted to welcome accomplished midfielder Claudia Whitfort and ruck powerhouse Lauren Bella to IKON Park, following the completion of a trade with the Gold Coast Suns.  

Carlton has traded pick No.19 plus a future second-round pick (tied to the Kangaroos) to Gold Coast, sealing the deal for Whitfort and Bella to become Blues. 

Originally drafted to Melbourne in 2018, Whitfort went on to play for St Kilda (2020) before joining the Gold Coast Suns. Across nine seasons at the elite level, she has amassed 57 games, establishing herself as a key midfield presence during her time at the Suns. 

A former athletics competitor, Whitfort is renowned as a gut-running, fierce on-baller with exceptional speed and an intense work rate. Her ability to influence contests makes her a significant addition to Carlton’s emerging midfield group.  

Despite an injury-interrupted 2025 season, Whitfort was highly influential in the five games she played, averaging 18 disposals per match, including a standout 28-disposal performance against the Blues at IKON Park in Round 5.  

After earning a spot in the 22under22 in 2022, it was the following year where Whitford well and truly cemented herself in the competition. In that season, Whitfort claimed the Gold Coast Suns’ Best and Fairest award and finished runner-up in the AFLW Best and Fairest award, while also being named in the All-Australian squad. 

Whitfort joins IKON Park not only to reunite with former captain Tara Bohanna, but also alongside Lauren Bella, who will strengthen Carlton’s ruck division in 2026. 

With 69 games across eight AFLW seasons (including two finals series), Bella arrives with proven experience at the elite level. 

Standing at 188cm, Bella - now the tallest player on Carlton’s list - is a commanding presence who will seamlessly complement the Blues’ midfield group. 

Known for her fearless edge, she dominates both in the air and on the ground and is relentless in her follow-up efforts. A former 22under22 member (2020), Bella has been a consistent presence in the AFLW competition, becoming the fifth-most experienced player on the Blues’ list in 2026 for games played despite being just 25 years old. 

Like many of her new teammates, including Poppy Scholz and Keeley Sherar, Bella began her athletic journey as an elite junior netballer before ultimately choosing an AFLW career.  

Head of AFLW Ash Naulty highlighted Bella and Whitfort’s commitment and professionalism as key reasons behind the impact they could make at IKON Park. 

 “Both Lauren and Claudia have a genuine desire to improve every single week. Their dedication and application have been evident in their growth and development on-field,” Naulty said. 

“Claudia is a natural leader, a consistent performer and a great person. We know she’ll complement our dynamic midfield group.  

“At 25, Lauren’s blend of youthful energy and experience is perfect for our list. Her natural athleticism and willingness to put her body on the line in contests, while remaining competitive in the air, really stood out to us. 

“We’re thrilled to bring in players of their calibre who we know will knuckle down from day one.”