Round 7 Anytime Fitness Women’s Rising Star: Zahra Clavarino

The VAFA congratulates Zahra Clavarino from Old Haileybury Amateur Football Club who has been nominated as the Round 7 Anytime Fitness Women’s Rising Star. Zahra has come through Berwick and the Dandy Stingrays and has impressed in her first season in the VAFA for the Bloods. Zahra is only just 20 years old and has featured in the best players in five of seven games this year.

What the club said:

Zahra Clavarino is a proud Old Haileybury graduate from the class of 2023 and has quickly become a cornerstone of the club’s future. As the leader of the young brigade, Zahra leads with quiet confidence, hard work, and a team-first attitude that sets the tone for those around her.

Her versatility is a major asset—whether rucking with finesse, providing a strong target up forward, locking down in defence, or even rolling through the midfield, Zahra’s football IQ and skillset are beyond her years. Off the field, she brings humility, positivity, and a relentless desire to improve.

The club couldn’t be more excited about the way she’s started her senior footy journey and can’t wait to see her continue to grow in the maroon and blue.

Coach’s David Lappage said:

“Zahra gives our midfielders first use more often than not, and that’s massive in helping us win the stoppage battle. She competes with heart, has great hands, and her ability to adapt to different roles makes her incredibly valuable to this team. She’s only just beginning, and already she’s showing signs of being a real leader for the future.”