A collier versus a goddess (7)

I believe the answer is:

minerva

'goddess' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'a collier versus a' is the wordplay.
'a collier' becomes 'miner' (I've seen this before).
'versus' becomes 'v'.
'miner'+'v'+'a'='MINERVA'

(Other definitions for minerva that I've seen before include "Roman goddess of learning" , "embodiment of wisdom" , "Roman goddess of crafts and wisdom - a vermin (anag)" , "Divine female" , "deity of wisdom" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.

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