“IT HASN’T really changed, I’m still having the best time.”

Claudia Whitfort may now be eight games into her Carlton career, but the smile that was her on face after game No.1 is still just as prevalent now.

One of the standout Blues over the course of the season, Whitfort has been a first-class recruit for Carlton in 2026, playing every game and producing an eye-catching run of form at her new club.

Averaging over 21 disposals so far this year, Whitfort hit the ground running with a 27-disposal showing against St Kilda in the season opener, and her performance in the wet versus Hawthorn was just as strong.

Seven of Whitfort’s eight showings in 2026 have resulted in coaches’ votes, with the former Demon, Saint and Sun saying she’s relishing life in Navy Blue.

“This group is so special, it’s really exciting to see where we’re going to go. It’s nice to have some consistent footy, I’m having a lot of fun doing it,” Whitfort told Carlton Media.

She doubled down on ABC Radio post-match, after rebounding from 13 games in her last two seasons at the Suns which was interrupted by injury.

“For me personally, it’s nice to have some consistency - it was very rough last year, but it’s such an amazing and exciting group.

“They bring so much to every training, and the love throughout the team is just awesome.

“It’s so nice to be around family and friends again, it lifts your spirit a little bit.”

The Blues have won their last two games after losses against the top two, which - while frustrating - Whitfort said had provided the group with “real energy - it lifted our hopes”.

Whitfort’s presence in the team has done the same for her teammates, with long-time Blue Keeley Sherar hailing her impact.

“I love playing with ‘Clauds’, she’s an absolute bull in the middle. Playing forward, I love being on the receiving end of her kicks inside 50 - she’s been absolutely awesome.”