Claudia Gunjaca will reach her 25th AFLW game this weekend against Hawthorn, capping off a stellar season that has seen her develop into one of the best defenders in the competition.

Starting her career in the Geelong forward line, Gunjaca was shifted down back in her second season and quickly became a key anchor in the Cats' defensive unit.

The 26-year-old has taken her game to another level in 2023, averaging three intercept marks per game while facing off with a number of the league’s top forwards.

Gunjaca has formed a strong partnership in defence with Meg McDonald and Chantel Emonson, which has helped the Cats concede the fourth lowest points total in the competition this year.

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Claudia Gunjaca Highlights | Round 9

Claudia Gunjaca has risen to elite levels in Season 8, becoming one of the best intercept and 1 on 1 players in the league.

The key defender's rise was highlighted in Geelong’s Round 3 clash with North Melbourne, where she amassed 19 disposals and seven marks against one of the strongest teams in the AFLW.

Cats AFLW Coach Dan Lowther said that Gunjaca’s improvement this season has been great to watch, consistently performing at a high standard each week.

“It has been a year of improvement for Claudia,” Lowther said after the win over Richmond.

“Last year was really positive but her intercepting game has risen to another level, and she reads the ball well.

"She had another really good performance on the weekend, but she has a solid impact on most games from the opening bounce to the final siren.

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Dan Lowther Post Game | Round 9

Watch Geelong's press conference after round nine's match against Richmond. Presented by Viva Energy.

"The way she moves the footy, she makes really good decisions too.

"Claudia is one of those players that you hope you can get that sort of performance from week to week, and she has been consistent with that all season.”

Gunjaca put together another strong performance against the Tigers on the weekend, picking off numerous intercept marks as the Cats held Richmond goalless until the final two minutes of the game.

The 26-year-old is averaging a career-high 13 disposals per game this season, and will be pivotal once again this weekend as the Cats look to secure their spot in the finals.

Gunjaca will run out for her 25th game in the blue-and-white hoops this Saturday when the Cats take on Hawthorn at GMHBA Stadium.