Geelong's defensive unit has undergone some significant transformations in recent years. 

After several seasons under the leadership of Meg McDonald, the next generation has emerged and driven the Cats forward in 2026, with the likes of Lexi Gregor, Evie Cowcher and Annie Lee solidifying their place in the back six. 

But one constant has remained throughout all the alterations, which is the ever-growing presence of Claudia Gunjaca.

Now into her sixth season in the Hoops, the reliable defender has undergone some changes and development in her own game.

The difference is not necessarily in what she can do with football in hand, but from her own detailed explanation, it was about finding her voice and guiding that new generation through the challenges of an AFLW campaign. 

"I think this year, I really wanted to go into the year thinking a lot more about my leadership," Gunjaca told Cats Media.

"Both on field and off field, but really in particular on field. I kind of made that a big thing that I wanted to work on this year, and I feel like I have been able to develop in that area.

"I love having some of the younger girls to bring along with me, and to be able to teach them as well. Trying to get their voice and get them to speak a lot, because I feel like that is what Meg [McDonald] really taught me a lot of, was the communication on field and how important that is.

"In particular, in our role as a defender and when you can see the whole game in front of you, you have got such a big role in that.

"I have really made a focus to try and mentor those players, to bring out that communication and leadership on field a bit more."

Geelong have found a strong balance this year between experience and youth, creating a blend that has helped the Cats to drive forward in 2026. 

Under the leadership of a new coach and two fresh co-captains, the Cats became the highest scoring team in an AFLW home-and-away season, while winning a remarkable 11 straight games to finish in the top two. 

"It has been super awesome this year, even with the inclusion of all the young girls now coming through, they like to keep me pretty young I think," Gunjaca said. 

"It has been really great connecting with everyone. But I feel like being a part of the club now for five to six years has been pretty special, being able to build on those connections year after year. They just get stronger and stronger every year, I have lifelong friends here now and I wouldn't see them as anything else.

"Not only are they my teammates, but we are pretty much like a big family too.

"You spend 90% of your time together and working together every single day, so I often see them more than my own family and they do feel like my family too."

While her Cats family hold plenty of significance, Gunjaca still relishes the support of her family at home, led by fiancé Tom Henry. 

The connection also provides a link between Geelong's AFL and AFLW programs, with Tom the brother of Cats stars Jack and Ollie Henry. 

"Well firstly, my fiancee has been a great support," Gunjaca said.

"He loves it, he is the greatest supporter, both with myself and his two brothers. It has been really awesome to have him, but I think he just brings me a nice, calm level and I can kind of escape footy at that end.

"I feel like that is what we do in that family as well. Jack, Ollie and I don't really talk too much footy which is great.

"We sort of relax and things like that, but I know that if I do ever need them or ever need to call on them for advice, I certainly can do that."

Gunjaca will be looking to lead a Geelong resurgence this weekend, as they prepare for a blockbuster Semi-Final against Sydney at GMHBA Stadium. 

It comes after a heartbreaking loss in last week's Qualifying Final, where the Cats kicked 28 points clear in the third term before fading late, ultimately four points short against Melbourne. 

But Geelong's hard work during the regular season helped them to secure a top-two finish, meaning they will have a second chance and the star defender is confident in what the Cats learned from last Saturday's match. 

"Obviously it was a tough loss, especially when we were up for a little bit," Gunjaca admitted. 

"But that is the beauty of having a second chance. We can get to work this week and focus on what we need to focus on.

"We got some good learnings out of that game as well, and we have been implementing them already this week. We are pretty keen to get out training and get to work."

After a strong open training session on Wednesday afternoon, the Cats are looking forward to seeing a sea of blue and white at GMHBA Stadium on Saturday afternoon. 

Not only are there plenty of exciting activations planned, but Gunjaca noted that the Cats will be looking to play a thrilling brand of football as they search for a Preliminary Final berth. 

"I just love the energy that all the Cats fans bring," Gunjaca said. 

"Even on the weekend at IKON Park, as soon as we ran out of the race, I really just felt that energy and it really hit me that it was Finals time. I think that was a lot to do with all of our Cats fans, so I am super excited to see them on the weekend.

"I think we are going to come out with some excitement and just play our game plan.

"We have a pretty attacking, exciting style of football. You can probably look forward to a fair bit of that, and hopefully we can get the win for you all."