Crossword Genius

Southern listener works with sheep (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

shearer

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'works with sheep' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this defines the answer.

'southern listener' is the wordplay.
'southern' becomes 's' (abbreviation).
'listener' becomes 'hearer' (synonyms).
's'+'hearer'='SHEARER'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for shearer that I've seen before include "Sheep barber?" , "who was really on the ball?" , "one who removes coat" , "Man clipping sheep" , "He cuts the fleece from sheep" .)

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