But those 16 wins, two draws and two losses to date mean very little now, as the Shoalhaven District Football Association first grade competition moves into its finals campaign.

"Realistically, we locked up the Competition Championship more than four weeks ago," hawker said.

"Thanks to that, we've been able to sort out some guys' niggling injuries.

"Our loss to Callala is probably indicative of the fact we were working in some guys who hadn't played much football of late - with there being plenty of rust.

"But since then, things have really improved and everyone is back firing, shown by our strong win against Sussex."

While this campaign has been the club's best during Hawker's four-year reign, one thing that's similar is the position the Seagulls find themselves in - one game short of the big dance.

"All four years I've been here, we've improved across the board and that's indicative of us winning the minor premiership in all three men's grades - a big achievement not many clubs have ever done," he said.

"Combine this with the lessons we've learnt in finals the past few years and I think we are finally ready to break into the first grade final."

Last year, the Seagulls led Gerringong 2-nil in the preliminary final before the Breakers fought back to win the match 3-1 on penalties - after it ended 3-all after extra-time.

"We learnt the hard way we can only control what we can control of the field," Hawker said.

"Our discipline really cost us [last year] and all the boys were gutted we didn't get a chance to play Bomaderry in the final, as there was a confidence in the group that we could beat them.

"But this Saturday presents us with a chance to take on Bomaderry in a final and we plan to make the most of it."

While Hawker is confident in his team's defence of Scott Fagerlund, Gary Niemeier, Brendan Hiriart, Lewis Archibald and Jeremy Smith, which only let in 21 goals 22 games, he knows how dangerous Bomaderry can be.

"They've got plenty of attacking weapons all across the park," he said.

"Obviously Jordan Haddow and Brendan Kellett are a large part of what they do but if we just focus on them two, others will hurt us.

"So it's up to us to try and nullify their team's attack as best we can.

"All the boys are looking forward to the challenge."

This first grade fixture will kick-off at Ison Park 3pm on Saturday, following Huskisson and Shoalhaven United's reserve grade final at 1pm and the third grade major semi-final between the Seagulls and Manyana at 11am.

Sunday will see three minor semi-finals take place, starting at 11am with United and Culburra (third grade) before St Georges Basin and Sussex play at 1pm (reserve grade) and the Dragons and Bears do battle at 3pm (first grade).