Having moved to the Gold Coast mid-season from Victoria to re-invigorate her career, the move has paid off after impressing Canberra coach Heather Garriock in a trial. 

The former attacker moved to the goalkeeping role after a 'near career ending injury'. 

“It wasn’t until I got the news I had a medical condition that would mean I would have to give up the game all together. I then found a way to still play and that was as goalie,” she said.

It was only a couple months ago that Zaffina was donning the gloves for Alamein FC before being scouted by South Melbourne but after 18 months in the NPLW down south, she was looking for a new challenge.

She made 12 appearances for Gold Coast United since joining the side in May this year.

“I’ll be forever grateful for the opportunity to play for Gold Coast United and be offered the chance to trial with Canberra,” Zaffina said.

“The road towards the W-League has been a tough one for me.

“I’ve worked incredibly hard and had plenty of setbacks along the way,” she said.

However, this isn't her first brush with W-League having earned a trial as a 17-year-old with Adelaide United when she was a striker.

With the W-League not too far away, Zaffina has been adjusting to life in Canberra and will continue to train with the squad.

“At times I’ve doubted myself, but through the support of my friends and family, especially my mum, she’s a massive reason why I’m where I'm at today."

“There’s lots of people I’m thinking about who’ve helped and guided me over the years, all of my coaches and all of my football friends and supporters in Vicco and the new crew on the Gold Coast.

“Thanks for believing in me,” she said.