Seagulls flying high

[Dale61]

http://www.heraldsun.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5478,19340925%255E11088,00.html

WILLIAMSTOWN has emerged as a major finals threat after a consistent start to the season.

The Seagulls, third on the ladder with five wins, two losses and a bye, face second-placed Sandringham tomorrow in the Round 9 match of the round at Trevor Barker Oval.

"We're happy with our position. It is a big improvement on where we were last year," Williamstown coach Brad Gotch said.

"Collingwood (the club's AFL affiliate) has been doing the right thing with the draft picks and we have developed a stronger list all round.

"Getting (Steven) Greene, (Andrew) Williams and (Brett) Johnson gave us a solid start. We have had only limited injuries and so have Collingwood."

The injury situation was so promising that Gotch was considering having to place up to six AFL-listed players in the reserves.

In contrast, in the final home-and-away round last season, when the Seagulls missed the finals, they were crippled by a large injury toll.

They had only four Collingwood players in the side for that match against Tasmania.

"But we still played pretty well and only just lost," Gotch said. "We have been pretty consistent this season.

"We've lost only twice -- to the Northern Bullants (ladder leaders) and we had a down day against the Scorpions."

He said tomorrow's away clash would provide a true test of the team's progress.

"Sandringham are a benchmark. They've won the past two premierships," he said. "They have that core of 10-15 VFL players you need and they work in well with their aligned club, Melbourne."

The Cloke brothers -- Jason, Cameron and Travis -- will boost the Seagulls, while youngsters Sean Rusling, Harry O'Brien, Chris Egan and Ben Davies should give them a lift.

Sandy had a rare lapse last week but has the depth and teamwork to test all challengers at home.