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Our Youth League Women will be shooting for a place in the Big V's Youth Championship Division when they open their 2006 campaign with a Qualification Series match-up against Pakenham at Narrandjeri Stadium on Sunday morning.

This one shapes as a great early season test for the Dragons, with first-year coach Paris Joannides and his team looking to build on what has already been a promising preseason.

"It's been exciting watching the group come together and improve with every training and practice game," Joannides said. "The buy-in from the players as we introduce new ideas and concepts has been outstanding and you can really feel our identity on the court coming together."

Asked to nominate players on his roster who had impressed him so far, Joannides said he'd been pleased with the entire group.

"They are a lovely bunch of girls who've welcomed new players and coaches into the group with open arms and it really shows the culture and belief the group has in one another," he said.

"Notable mentions would go to Ciara Newman as she continues to work on her game away from training and looks to be getting more confidence. Gemma Watson, who just gets after it time and time again with her energy and competitiveness. Mia Demarte and Lucy Christodolou, who have set the tone defensively for us, but most importantly our leadership group with Amelie (Atkinson, pictured below), Jess (Del Brocco), Ciara, Lucy, Tilly (Quartel) and Maddy (Grossman), who provide those stable pieces for us when we require poise and drive our standards at practice."

Joannides leads a new-look Dragons coaching staff, with assistants Scott Smith and Amy Dingle joining him on the bench.

"They bring together experience as well as fresh perspectives," he said. "Scott was my assistant coach when I was at Diamond Valley. He brings another experienced voice to the group and we share similar philosophies on both sides of the ball.

"Amy is a young up-and-coming coach and has an incredible future ahead. The way she can read the game but also articulate that to the group is something you rarely see in a young coach. Both have been fantastic in being clear and consistent with our messaging to the playing group."

Joannides (pictured below) said he was enjoying his early days in the top job and looking forward to more good times ahead.

"Firstly, I'd like to thank Camberwell Dragons for the trust in giving me the opportunity to coach the Youth League Women and for the support so far," he said.

"You can really see the family driven environment that the club has built. It's exciting to be a part of a pathway that helps junior athletes grow and move into the senior program. Come down and support us on Sunday and throughout the year as your energy and support will no doubt be a driving force for us. We're looking forward to the season."

• The Dragons tip off their VYCW/YL1W Youth Qualification Series against Pakenham on Court 1 at Narrandjeri Stadium on Sunday, February 8 (10am). A Dragons' win would set up a date with the loser of the Frankston-Eltham qualifying game for a place in Championship Division, while a loss would see Camberwell remain in the YL1 competition.

Frankston plays Eltham at the same venue on Sunday (10am), reigning YLW1 champion Knox goes head to head with Bulleen (10.30am), and Bendigo squares off with Geelong United (10.30am).

All Photos: Craig Dingle, Melbourne Sports Photography.