Position: 9th

Win-loss: 4-3

Percentage: 150.21%

Leading goal kicker: Jack Redpath (17)

While not the dream start to the year that Footscray faithful would have been hoping for, the Dogs have gradually built momentum over the first nine rounds.

The Dogs sit 4-3 after seven games and two byes, with convincing wins against North Ballarat, Frankston and Geelong.

While consistency has let the Dogs down, they have been able to unearth plenty of young talent, with five senior players making their AFL debut this year after starting the season with Footscray.

Meanwhile, Caleb Daniel, Zaine Cordy, Declan Hamilton, Roarke Smith, Josh Prudden and Sam Darley have found solid form at VFL level.

Vice-captain Brent Prismall has been the most-consistent of the VFL-listed players, with his AFL experience a key factor in the Dogs young line up.

While the Dogs sit ninth, coach Ashley Hansen says their ladder position is indicative of their start to the season.

“I think our record is an accurate reflection of where we’re at as a side. We’ve played some really good footy but we’ve also been inconsistent at times as well.

“Our percentage… indicates we’re still playing the right way but our win-loss record probably reflects the inconsistencies we’ve had early in the season.”

Hansen says his side should not be disheartened, with 2014 producing a similar first half of the year.

“We’re in a similar position to where we were last year so we’ll stay true to our development focus and keep getting our players better.

“I’m really confident that by the back end of our year we’ll produce some good football.”

The Dogs will face a tough second half of the year with only four out of ten games played at VU Whitten Oval.