The Camberwell Dragons will bid farewell to 2026 Youth League One Men’s Championship Coach Fraser Kennedy, who is stepping away from the role to pursue new opportunities.
Kennedy leaves the program on the highest possible note after guiding the Dragons to the 2026 Youth League One Championship, securing a title that will stand as one of the club’s proudest achievements.
A product of the Dragons’ coaching pathway, Kennedy began his journey with the club as an assistant coach under Ross Wignell before progressing through several coaching roles across the junior program. His commitment to player development and strong connection to the club saw him rise through the ranks to lead the Youth League Men.
Under Kennedy’s leadership, the Dragons built a reputation for resilience, discipline, and strong team culture, culminating in a championship-winning season.
Camberwell District Basketball Association CEO Ross Wignell praised Fraser’s outstanding contribution to the club.
“Fraser’s effort and commitment to working with a group of boys and developing them into a very good team has become increasingly evident. His ability to understand his players’ strengths and capabilities, scout opposition teams and create effective game plans to give his team the best opportunity to win has become more apparent as he has progressed with his coaching.
I wish Fraser the very best as he takes the next step in his coaching journey.”
Kennedy’s progression from assistant coach to junior coach and ultimately championship-winning head coach reflects the strength of the Dragons’ coaching development pathway and the opportunities available within the program.
The Camberwell Dragons thanks Fraser for his outstanding contribution to Camberwell Basketball and wishes him every success in the next chapter of his coaching career.
The season is over for your Championship Men after McKinnon pulled away in the second half for a 100-86 win in their Big V semi-final at GESAC on Saturday night.
The Dragons led 48-44 at half-time but couldn’t keep up with the Cougars the rest of the way. McKinnon seized control with a 25-10 third quarter and outscored their guest 56-38 in the second half to advance to next week’s championship game.
Daniel Powell had a team-high 23 points to pace Camberwell and league All Star 5 finalist Jackson Meshanic finished with 19 points and 11 rebounds for the Dragons, who reached the Big V Championship Men semi-finals for the first time in club history.
Ayuel Ayuel added 15 points, six rebounds and three assists, while Brennen Burns signed off with 13 points, six boards and six assists.
Meshanic and Championship Men’s team coach Shawn King are among an impressive line-up of Dragons in consideration for Big V awards this season, with King named as a finalist for Coach of the Year.
For the full list of Dragons’ finalists, read on:
Championship Men Shawn King – Coach of the Year Jackson Meshanic – All Star 5
Division1 Women Eleni Valos – All Star 5 and Defensive Player of the Year Talia D’agostino – Youth Player of the Year
Youth League 1 Men Billy Barton – All Star 5 Jesse Macleod – All Star 5
Youth League 1 Women Jess Del Brocco – All Star 5 Paris Joannides – Coach of the Year
This season’s winners will be announced at the Big V Awards night on September 5.
Dragons Den Newsletter
The latest edition of the Dragons Den newsletter (August 20) is online now. For the latest from the Dragons, the Community Basketball League and Camberwell Basketball, click HERE.
Our Partners
Camberwell Basketball and the Dragons are grateful for the support of our valued Partners and thank our community for supporting them the way they support us. For the complete list of Camberwell Basketball Partners, please click HERE For information about partnership opportunities with Camberwell Basketball, including the Dragons, contact Communications, Community Engagement and Partnerships Manager Andrew Johnstone at [email protected]
Camberwell Dragons are proud to announce an impressive line-up of age group head coaches for the 2026-27 Victorian Junior Basketball League (VJBL) season. They are:
Under 12 Girls – Prue Ainsworth Under 14 Girls – Cara Jeffers Under 16 Girls – Amy Dingle Under 18 Girls – Jack Thornton
Under 12 Boys – Liam O’Hoy Under 14 Boys – Tom Denovan Under 16 Boys – Ben Crowe Under 18 Boys – Christian Peachman
See profiles for all eight coaches below:
Under 12 Girls – Prue Ainsworth
Prue is a true Dragons success story. A Life Member of the club, she proudly played her entire junior career with the Dragons and has become a cornerstone of our coaching team.
Known for inspiring young athletes to achieve their best, Prue has guided her teams to multiple Victorian Championship (VC) and National Junior Classic appearances, including an impressive bronze medal finish at the 2024 NJC.
With her experience, passion, and proven track record, we know our Under 12 Girls are in fantastic hands.
Under 14 Girls – Cara Jeffers
A valued member of the Dragons coaching family since 2013, Cara has built an outstanding reputation for developing players and leading teams to success across multiple age groups.
This season, Cara guided our 14.1 Girls to Victorian Championship (VC) qualification and an impressive fourth-place finish at the National Junior Classic. She will also lead her team at next month’s Foot Locker Under 14 National Club Championships in Perth.
With her wealth of experience, passion for player development, and proven leadership, we’re excited to see Cara continue inspiring and developing the next generation of Dragons.
Under 16 Girls – Amy Dingle
Amy has come right through the Camberwell Dragons pathway as a player, and we are incredibly excited to see her take on this important leadership role within our program.
Amy has enjoyed a fantastic season as coach of our 16.2 Girls, guiding them to a top-of-the-table finish. She has also made a significant impact as our Big V Youth League Women’s team assistant coach, continuing to develop her coaching expertise while supporting athletes at the next level.
One of Amy’s greatest strengths is her ability to build genuine relationships with her players. She creates a positive and supportive environment while also having an outstanding ability to simplify her messages, ensuring effective communication and athlete development.
Amy is a fantastic role model who is constantly striving to improve, with a real thirst for knowledge and a commitment to continuous learning and growth.
Under 18 Girls – Jack Thornton
Jack returns to the Under 18 Girls Program after leading our 18.1 girls this season, a team that has continued to develop strongly and is shaping up to be a serious contender heading into the upcoming finals campaign.
A familiar face around the Dragons, Jack previously spent three years as a player in our Big V Championship Men’s team while also contributing across our development programs as a coach. His passion for player development and connection to the club make him a fantastic fit for this role.
Jack brings extensive coaching experience from his time at Bulleen, where he worked with junior athletes and spent two years as assistant coach of the Championship Women’s team. His coaching credentials also extend to the representative pathway, having coached within Basketball Victoria’s State Development Program, Southern Cross Challenge and East Coast Challenge.
Under 12 Boys – Liam O’Hoy
Liam has a long history with the Camberwell Dragons, as a player in our junior and senior programs and as a Programs and junior representative coach.
In addition to his work with the Dragons, Liam currently holds a coaching role with Basketball Victoria, where he helps develop and inspire Victoria’s emerging FDP and SDP athletes.
With his wealth of knowledge, experience, and passion for player development, we’re confident our Under 12 Boys program will thrive under Liam’s leadership.
Under 14 Boys – Tom Denovan
Tom’s journey with the Dragons began as a player in our Under 16 program before progressing through to Under 21s. Over the past seven seasons, he has developed into a highly respected coach within our Under 14 program and this season was appointed as an assistant coach for our senior women’s Big V team.
In his first season as our 14.1 Boys Head Coach, Tom led the team to Victorian Championship (VC) qualification and earned selection to compete at this year’s National Junior Classic. With his experience, passion and strong connection to the Dragons community, we’re excited to see Tom continue leading and developing our Under 14 Boys program.
Under 16 Boys – Ben Crowe
Ben has been a valued member of the Camberwell Dragons family since joining our Big V Youth League program in 2021 and continues to make a strong impact on and off the court. Currently competing with our Championship Men’s team, Ben brings a wealth of playing experience and a deep understanding of the game to his coaching.
Away from the Dragons, Ben is Director of Coaching at Community Basketball League (CBL) club Canterbury Cougars, where he plays a key role in developing players and coaches across the program. His passion for player development and commitment to excellence make him an outstanding leader for our Under 16 Boys group.
Ben is a coach who drives high standards, has exceptional attention to detail and is dedicated to helping athletes reach their full potential. He is passionate about creating a positive, disciplined, and competitive environment where players can grow on and off the court.
Under 18 Boys – Christian Peachman
Christian currently serves as the Head Coach of our 16.1 Boys team and is an assistant coach with our Championship Men’s Big V team.
A dedicated and experienced coach, he previously spent seven years at Coburg coaching at the Big V Youth League level, developing athletes and building strong programs. Christian continues to expand his coaching expertise through his involvement with Basketball Victoria’s State Development Program, where he has coached as part of the State Development pathway, including roles as a Country Metro Challenge (CMC) and Giddey-Daniels Cup Coach.
His passion for player development, commitment to continuous learning, and extensive coaching experience make him an outstanding leader for the Under 18 Boys age group.
The Terminus is the Major Hospitality Partner of the Camberwell Dragons, our home court for good times and club events, and the perfect place for your team’s end-of-season function.
To celebrate the 2026 VJBL and EDL seasons with your fellow Dragons and their families at The Termi, click HERE to secure the seats and tables you need. And as always, if you’re booking by phone – 03 941 3182 – or emailing [email protected], remember to tell them the Dragons sent you!
For the latest on what’s happening at the Termi, including its NFL Tipping Comp, Father’s Day deals and so much more, click HERE.
To our Camberwell Dragons community – thank you for supporting those who support us.
Brennen Burns shows the way for your Championship Men during a late-season win against RMIT University. The Dragons stretched their winning streak to six against Melbourne Uni on Saturday night to set up a date with McKinnon in the semi-finals. PHOTO: Craig Dingle, Melbourne Sports Photography.
Your Championship Men are moving on in the Big V finals after holding off Melbourne University on Saturday night.
Brennen Burns led all scorers with 33 points and handed out seven assists to go with six rebounds for the Dragons, who pulled away late for a 111-100 win.
Jackson Meshanic added a 29-point, 18-board double-double for Camberwell, which set up a semi-final date with McKinnon on Saturday night (August 22). It was the sixth straight win for the Dragons, who enter the final four as one of the hottest teams in the league.
In the early game at Melbourne University on Saturday, MU was too strong for your Division 1 Women in their semi-final. The powerful host and championship favourite set up its win with a big first quarter and wasn’t headed in a 98-50 win.
Zoe Scott paced the Dragons with 13 points, Anna Burrow added eight points and nine rebounds, and Eleni Valos closed with eight points, seven boards and four assists.
Terminus Big V Players of the Week
Championship Men at Melbourne University (first round of playoffs): Luke Liesegang. Division 1 Women at Melbourne University (semi-finals): Zoe Scott.
Our Week Ahead
Championship Men: Semi-Final – Dragons at McKinnon (Glen Eira Sports & Aquatic Centre). Saturday, August 22. 7.30pm.
2026 Big V Awards
Jesse Macleod, Eleni Valos, Jess Del Brocco and Jackson Meshanic are among an impressive list of Dragons in consideration for Big V awards this season. For the full list of our finalists, read on:
Championship Men: Shawn King – Coach of the Year Jackson Meshanic – All Star 5
Division 1 Women: Eleni Valos – All Star 5 and Defensive Player of the Year Talia D’agostino – Youth Player of the Year
Youth League 1 Men: Billy Barton – All Star 5 Jesse Macleod – All Star 5 Ace Adama – Defensive Player of the Year
Youth League 1 Women: Jess Del Brocco – All Star 5 Paris Joannides – Coach of the Year
This season’s winners will be announced at the Big V Awards Night on September 5.
Terminus Big V Players of the Week (Overall)
Championship Men: Jackson Meshanic (6), Brennen Burns (5), Ayuel Ayuel (3), Luke Liesegang (3), Daniel Powell (2), Riley Simmons (1), Jaden Lai (1).
Youth League Men: Jesse Macleod (6), Billy Barton (5), Matt Marcun (4), Ace Adama, (2), Caleb Lingwood-Smith (1), Will Sinclair (1), Noah La Combre (1), Owen Ireland (1), Tyson Mackenzie (1).
Youth League Women – Final: Jessica Del Brocco (4), Lucy Rowe (4), Tilly Quartel (3), Gemma Watson (2), Hannah Morsi (2), Mia Demarte (2), Ciara Newman (1), Maddy Grossman (1), Ruby Clark (1).
Dragons Den Newsletter
The latest edition of the Dragons Den newsletter (July 27) is online now. For the latest from the Dragons, the Community Basketball League and Camberwell Basketball, click HERE.
Our Partners
Camberwell Basketball and the Dragons are grateful for the support of our valued Partners and thank our community for supporting them the way they support us. For the complete list of Camberwell Basketball Partners, please click HERE For information about partnership opportunities with Camberwell Basketball, including the Dragons, contact Communications, Community Engagement and Partnerships Manager Andrew Johnstone at [email protected]
Your Youth League Men’s team captain Ace Adama shows the way against Bendigo during the Dragons’ drive to the Big V YL1 championship in front of a full house at Boroondara Sports Complex on Saturday night.
For more photos from an unforgettable night, visit our Grand Final photo gallery HERE.
Dragons Big V finals action continues this weekend with your Division 1 Women and Championship Men on the road for winner-take-all dates with Melbourne University.
After opening its finals campaign with an impressive road win in Mildura last week, the D1 Women go head to head with MU in a a semi-final at Melbourne University Sports Centre on Saturday afternoon (August 15, 4.30pm).
The Men beat Gippsland United at BSC last weekend to become the first Dragons team to qualify for Big V Championship action and will meet MU at the same venue on Saturday (8pm). The winner will advance to the semi-finals.
All Photos: Craig Dingle, Melbourne Sports Photography.
Eleni Valos and Anna Burrows combined for 34 points and 21 rebounds in Mildura on Saturday night as your Dragons Division 1 Women handled the Heat to advance in the Big V Finals.
Burrows (14 points, 15 rebounds, five assists, three steals) logged her third straight double-double and Valos closed with a team-high 20 points, six boards and four steals as Camberwell opened the elimination final with a 22-12 first quarter and held off its host the rest of the way for a 70-56 win.
Tilly Grech added 14 points in 20 minutes and captain Lauren Moran pulled in 11 rebounds to go with four points for the Dragons, who set up a date with Melbourne University in next weekend’s semi-finals. More details to come.
In other Dragons Big V action over the weekend:
– Your Youth League Men claimed the Youth League 1 championship with a 68-50 win against Bendigo in front of a sold-out crowd at Boroondara Sports Complex (BSC) on Saturday night. For more words and photos from a Grand Final night to remember, click HERE.
– And your Dragons Championship Men’s team held back Gippsland United at BSC on Saturday night to clinch a Finals berth. Brennen Burns had a 28-point, 10-rebound, 10-assist triple-double in the 101-96 win. Jackson Meshanic added 22 points and 14 boards and Ben Crowe had 14 points (4-of-7 from the three-point line) as Shawn King’s group became the team in the club’s history to qualify for the Big V Championship Men Finals. More details to come about its Finals opener.
Your Dragons Youth League Men celebrate at BSC on Saturday night after taming Bendigo in front of a sold-out crowd to claim the Big V YLM1 championship.
Dragons forward Jesse Macleod was named Grand Final MVP after torching the Braves for a team-high 18 points and 16 rebounds. Billy Barton added a 12-point, 24-board double-double and Caleb Lingwood-Smith made a huge contribution off the bench to finish with 16 points and seven rebounds in the 68-50 win.
With a raucous home crowd behind them, the Dragons broke the game open with a 24-7 second quarter and weren’t headed again.
Scroll down for a selection of great photos from Craig Dingle of Melbourne Sports Photography. We’ll have more to share as the week unfolds.
Spare a thought for Dragons Big V Division 1 women’s team point guard Maeve Gray, who’s been on the move over the past few days. And her work isn’t done just yet.
After competing for her school team at Basketball Victoria’s Champions Cup event at the State Basketball Centre on Wednesday and Thursday, Maeve had eight points in a 53-48 win for our Dragons 16.1 Girls team at Waverley last night (Friday). And today she’s on the road to Mildura with our Big V D1 Women’s team for an elimination final against the Heat.
Maeve, 15, logged minutes in all 18 Big V regular season games for the Dragons and played an important role in the team’s return to finals action.
Maeve and the Dragons tip things off against the Heat at 7pm tonight.
