Bendigo Gold’s winless start to the season is no reason for Williamstown to rest on their laurels and Western Bulldogs Development Coach Ashley Hansen says the team needs to use the opportunity to build momentum.

Boasting four wins from six rounds this season, the Seagulls are on track to again challenge in the finals, but Hansen warned the players of being too confident ahead of Saturday’s clash with the bottom of the ladder Bendigo.

“It’s a good opportunity to get another win and keep the momentum going for the year,” Hansen said.

“You can’t rest with any opponent, the score still starts at 0-0, so they are right in the game.

“To take them lightly would be fraught with danger.”

Hansen said the round seven clash posed as an opportunity for the Bulldogs listed players to again stand up and press for senior selection and continue to create competition for spots at the higher level.

“We just need our guys to keep playing their positions and keep improving to put pressure on selection,” he said.

“A healthy, in-form list is only beneficial for us going forward and picking the [Bulldogs’] squad.”

Williamstown’s ability to hold off a fast-finishing Frankston outfit last weekend also impressed Hansen, who believes the Seagulls are beginning to show maturity and resilience in pressure situations – despite the young age profile of the list.

Frankston kicked six unanswered goals in the fourth term, but the Seagulls were able to quell their momentum and create a 30 point buffer before the final siren.

“The group showed really good resilience and composure when Frankston kicked six in a row in the last quarter,” he said.

“For a young group to slow the game down, gain momentum and then kick ahead again, I think showed some great experience and good team spirit.

“It shows the maturity of the group and when we’ve got so many young kids playing there, that’s what we want to see from a Bulldogs’ perspective - how those guys can react in a situation and adapt.”