Whittaker grew up in Darwin and began her football career playing for the Southern Districts Crocs, before switching to the Palmerston Magpies. She debuted in the NT Premier League women’s football competition at the age of 17, playing for the Palmerston Magpies, in 2019/20. In the same season, Whittaker was the joint winner of the NT u/18s Best and Fairest Award for the competition, (after being runner up the previous year), and also took out the u/18 Girls Leading Goalkicker for the second consecutive season.
In 2021, Whittaker represented the NT in the Coates Talent League. In September that year, she was one of five open-age Northern Territory prospects who were given an opportunity to experience the elite facilities on offer to the Gold Coast Suns AFLW team. This gave her the opportunity to meet Gold Coast AFLW coaching staff, access the gym and recovery facilities and undertake programs designed by specialist AFLW coaches and strength and conditioning staff.
In early 2022, Whittaker made a move to the SANFLW to give herself more chance to be drafted to the AFLW competition. She joined Norwood and local club, Payneham Norwood Union. Although playing in the first season of the SANFLW Development League, Whittaker was invited to be a train on player for the Port Adelaide AFLW team. Whilst she had played predominately as a key forward, she was tried out in a defensive role with Port.
In 2023, Whittaker made her league debut for Norwood and was again a train-on player with Port Adelaide’s AFLW team. In 2024, Whittaker switched local clubs and joined Hectorville. In round 1 of 2024, playing in the SANFLW Development League team for Norwood, Whittaker was suspended for a number of weeks for an errant tackle, which shook her confidence. A popular team mate, Whittaker remained around the club for the full season, supporting the team off field for the 2024 SANFLW League Grand Final. At the end of the season, Whittaker decided to return to Darwin where she joined the St Mary’s Football Club.
Off the field, Whittaker was nicknamed “Bling Bling” at Norwood for her love of gold necklaces. She also enjoyed going to the beach, squidding, puzzles, crochet and Disney movies.
Chris Brown, October 2024