Camberwell District Basketball Association (CDBA) has great pleasure in presenting its 2026 Strategic Plan.
CDBA has been patient in the preparation of this plan, ensuring it reflects who we are as an Association. It is built around our core values of Community, Opportunity, Respect and Excellence.
With four key focus areas – Pathways, Growth, Infrastucture and Governance – the plan outlines clear direction for CDBA as we continue to build on the strong position the organisation holds in our community.
For more information about our Strategic Plan and opportunities with Camberwell Basketball, please contact Communications, Community Engagement and Partnerships Manager Andrew Johnstone at [email protected]
ALL PHOTOS: Craig Dingle, Melbourne Sports Photography.
Our Big V Championship Men will enter the King’s Birthday Weekend break in sixth place and within striking distance of the top four after holding off Gippsland United for a 90-85 win in Traralgon on Saturday night.
Brennen Burns (20 points, six assists and three steals) and Jackson Meshanic (20 points, 13 boards and three assists) led the way for Camberwell and Riley Simmons (pictured) added a 14-point, 11-rebound double-double for the Dragons, who outscored their host 21-13 in the third quarter after trailing by three at the half.
Daniel Powell also enjoyed a productive night for Camberwell, finishing with 13 points and five rebounds in just over 18 minutes as the Dragons improved to 3-2 over their past five games and closed Round 9 with a 5-5 record. They’ll resume their campaign with a June 14 road date against RMIT (eighth, 4-5).
Also at the weekend:
– Eleni Valos led all scorers with 20 points and added six rebounds and four steals in a 70-54 loss for our Division 1 Women against Collingwood at BSC. Sian Gillam added a 10-point, 14-board double-double but the visitors put the game away with a 22-13 final quarter. Next up for the Dragons (4-6) is a June 13 clash with Whittlesea at Mill Park.
– Billy Barton showed the way with 19 points and nine rebounds and Jesse Macleod (15 points, nine boards) and Matt Marcun (15) combined for 30 points as our Youth League Men pulled away in the second half for a 73-62 win against Blackburn at BSC on Saturday night. Macleod added four assists for the Dragons, who seized control with a 20-7 third quarter after trailing the Vikings by three at half-time. Camberwell improved to 10-3 and is second behind league-leading Sunbury (12-1). The two teams will meet for the second time this season when they clash at Boardman Stadium on June 13.
– And our Youth League Women endured a tough weekend on the road, falling to Bellarine at Drysdale on Saturday night and to Frankston at Jubilee Park Stadium on Sunday afternoon. Jess Del Brocco led all scorers with 28 points, grabbed seven rebounds and had eight steals in a 69-62 loss to league-leading Bellarine, and had 19 points in an 83-54 loss to the Blues. Camberwell (6-9) will resume its season on the road against Whittlesea on June 13.
Terminus Big V Players of the Week
Championship Men at Gippsland United: Brennen Burns Division 1 Women v Collingwood: Eleni Valos Youth League Menv Blackburn: Jesse Macleod Youth League Women at Bellarine: Jessica Del Brocco Youth League Women at Frankston: Maddy Grossman
Terminus Big V Players of the Week (Overall)
Championship Men: Brennen Burns (3), Ayuel Ayuel (2), Daniel Powell (2), Riley Simmons (1), Jackson Meshanic (1), Luke Liesegang (1)
Youth League Men: Jesse Macleod (4), Ace Adama, (2), Billy Barton (2), Caleb Lingwood-Smith (1), Will Sinclair (1), Noah La Combre (1), Matt Marcun (1), Owen Ireland (1)
Youth League Women: Jessica Del Brocco (4), Gemma Watson (2), Lucy Rowe (2), Hannah Morsi (2), Mia Demarte (1), Ciara Newman (1), Maddy Grossman (1)
Our Week Ahead
No games scheduled.
Our Partners
Camberwell Basketball and the Dragons are fortunate to have a quality line-up of valued Partners and encourage our community to support 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]
Dragons Big V Game Day Program
Camberwell Dragons Big V Game Day Program is available HERE throughout the 2026 season.
Dragons Den Newsletter
The most recent edition of the Dragons Den newsletter is available online. For the latest from the Dragons, the Community Basketball League and Camberwell Basketball, click HERE.
Our official Big V Game Day program, with Dragons Division 1 Women’s team forward Sian Gillam on the cover, is online now. Scan the QR Code here or at our home games tonight to get yours.
The action tonight tips off tonight at Boroondara Sports Complex with our Youth League Men hosting Blackburn (5pm) and continues with a 7pm match-up between our Division 1 Women and Collingwood.
Our Championship Men and Youth League Women are both on the road in regional Victoria tonight. The men play Gippsland United in Traralgon, while the YLM will go head to head with league leader Bellarine in Drysdale before hitting the road again on Sunday for a 12pm date with Frankston.
Stay warm this winter in your new relaxed-fit Dragons tracksuit pants.
A pair (or two) of these will go nicely with your Dragons cotton hoodie and they’re available right now at the Camberwell Dragons online shop. Click HERE to visit the shop, choose the size you want and place your order today.
Oh, and one more thing – the official start of winter is just days away, so you better move fast! Believe us when we say you’ll thank us later.
Camberwell District Basketball Association (CDBA) has great pleasure in sharing its 2026 Strategic Plan with our community.
CDBA has been patient in the preparation of this plan, ensuring it reflects who we are as an Association. It is built around our core values of Community, Opportunity, Respect and Excellence.
With four key focus areas – Pathways, Growth, Infrastucture and Governance – the plan outlines clear direction for CDBA as we continue to build on the strong position the organisation holds in our community.
“This Strategic Plan provides a clear road map for the future of our Association,” CDBA chief executive Ross Wignell said. “It reflects our commitment to continued growth, strong governance, player, coach and officials development, and creating opportunities for our entire basketball community.
“It is centred around strengthening our community, developing people and ensuring that all programs continue to provide a positive and aspirational environment for players, coaches, officials and families.
“We are proud of the progress our Association has made in recent years. This Strategic Plan builds on that momentum and provides a clear framework to guide decision making, development and long-term success across all areas or the organisation.”
For more information about our Strategic Plan and opportunities with Camberwell Basketball, please contact Communications, Community Engagement and Partnerships Manager Andrew Johnstone at [email protected]
ALL PHOTOS: Craig Dingle, Melbourne Sports Photography.
Brennen Burns (pictured) closed with a team-high 23 points for our Big V Championship Men’s team in an 86-74 loss to visiting Sunbury at Balwyn High School on Sunday.
Ayuel Ayuel had 18 points and Burns added four rebounds, three assists and three steals, but it wasn’t enough for the Dragons, who led by four at quarter-time but couldn’t keep up with the Jets the rest of the way.
Ish Sanders erupted for a 40-point masterclass and made 10 of his 15 three-point attempts for Sunbury, which used a 30-point second quarter to set up a 48-43 lead at the half.
The Dragons were still within striking distance at three quarter-time when they trailed by just six, but the Jets had all the answers down the stretch.
Sanders was sublime on the way to stuffing his box score with four rebounds, five assists and four steals, and Milan Savic added 16 points and six rebounds for Sunbury, which improved to 5-3 and closed the round in third place behind unbeaten Hume City (10-0) and McKinnon (6-3).
Jackson Meshanic had 16 points and eight boards for the sixth-placed Dragons, who slipped to 4-5 ahead of next weekend’s road date with fourth-placed Gippsland United.
In other Dragons Big V action at the weekend:
– Talia D’agostino scored a team-high 15 points, Eleni Valos added a 13-point, 11-rebound double-double and Matilda Grech had 13 points and five assists for our Division 1 Women in a 75-74 loss to Mildura at Borooondara Sports Complex on Saturday night. Camberwell roared back from a 12-point deficit after three quarters and had a chance to tie it late, but the Heat held on. Mildura improved to 5-4 and closed the round in fourth place, a game clear of the fifth-placed Dragons (4-5). Melbourne University leads the league with an 8-0 record.
– Our Youth League Men held on to second place despite dropping to 9-3 after an 83-73 loss to league-leading Sunbury (11-1) at Balwyn High School on Sunday. The Dragons entered the final quarter with a one-point lead but couldn’t back the Jets, who put together a 31-20 term over the final 10 minutes to put the game out of Camberwell’s reach. Jesse Macleod led the Dragons with a game-high 25 points, seven rebounds and Billy Billy Barton finished with 10 points, 12 rebounds, five assists and four steals.
– And our Youth League Women improved to 6-7 with a 64-52 road win against Albury Wodonga at Wodonga Senior Secondary College on Saturday. Jess Del Brocco paced the Dragons with a game-high 26 points, six steals and five assists and Tilly Quartel closed with 13 points, six boards and three steals.
Also at the weekend:
– Our Division 1 Women rallied from three points down at three quarter-tiime a long way from home to beat Mildura on the road. Eleni Valos (18 points, 10 rebounds, four assists) and Sian Gillam (10 points, 11 boards) with double-doubles in a 69-61 win as the Dragons improved to 4-4. The two teams will meet again next Saturday – this time at Boroondara Sports Complex (BSC).
– Our Youth League Men held off fast-finishing Wyndham for an 82-78 win at Eagle Stadium. Owen Ireland posted a 17-point, 10-rebound double-double and Billy Barton reeled in 14 boards to go with nine points as the second-placed Dragons improved to 9-2. They’ll go head to head with top-of-the-table Sunbury (9-1) at Balwyn High School next Sunday.
– And our Youth League Women pulled away in the second half for a 66-43 win against Sunbury at Boroondara Sports Complex. The Dragons shook off a slow start to outscore the Jets 41-26 after half-time. Gemma Watson had 10 points, six rebounds and three steals for Camberwell, which improved to 5-7. The Dragons play Albury Wodonga in Wodonga next week.
Terminus Big V Players of the Week
Championship Men v Sunbury: Brennen Burns Division 1 Women v Mildura: Matilda Grech Youth League Menv Sunbury: Jesse Macleod Youth League Women: Jessica Del Brocco
Terminus Big V Players of the Week (Overall)
Championship Men: Ayuel Ayuel (2), Daniel Powell (2), Brennen Burns (2), Riley Simmons (1), Jackson Meshanic (1), Luke Liesegang (1)
Youth League Men: Jesse Macleod (3), Ace Adama, (2), Billy Barton (2), Caleb Lingwood-Smith (1), Will Sinclair (1), Noah La Combre (1), Matt Marcun (1), Owen Ireland (1)
Youth League Women: Jessica Del Brocco (3), Gemma Watson (2), Lucy Rowe (2), Hannah Morsi (2), Mia Demarte (1), Ciara Newman (1)
Our Week Ahead
Saturday, May 30 Youth League Men: Dragons v Blackburn at Boroondara Sports Complex, 5pm Division 1 Women: Camberwell v Collingwood at Boroondara Sports Complex, 7pm Youth League Women: Dragons at Bellarine (Bellarine Secondary College), 5.30pm Championship Men: Dragons at Gippsland United (Gippsland Regional Indoor Sports Stadium), 7pm
Sunday, May 31 Youth League Women: Dragons at Frankston (Jubilee Park Stadium), 12pm
Our Partners
Camberwell Basketball and the Dragons are fortunate to have a quality line-up of valued Partners and encourage our community to support 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]
Dragons Big V Game Day Program
Camberwell Dragons Big V Game Day Program is available HERE throughout the 2026 season.
Dragons Den Newsletter
The most recent edition of the Dragons Den newsletter is available online. For the latest from the Dragons, the Community Basketball League and Camberwell Basketball, click HERE.
This official Dragons Big V Game Day Program, with Championship Men’s team guard Brennen Burns on the cover, is online now. Scan the QR code or click HERE.
On a big weekend for Dragons fans, with three of our four teams at home, the action starts at Boroondara Sports Complex tonight (Saturday) with our Division 1 Women hosting Mildura at 6pm.
All eyes turn to Balwyn High School on Sunday afternoon for a high-stakes double-header featuring our Youth League Men and Championship Men. The second-placed YLM host top-of-the-table Sunbury at 12pm before the Champ Men (4-4) also square off with Sunbury at 2pm. The Jets are 4-3.
In other Dragons Big V action this weekend, our Youth League Women play Albury Wodonga at Wodonga on Saturday night.
May 23 – Big V Dragons: Division 1 Women v Mildura at Boroondara Sports Complex, 6pm May 24 – Big V Dragons: Youth League Men v Sunbury at Balwyn High School, 12pm; Championship Men v Sunbury at Balwyn High School, 2pm
June 6-8 – Nunawading Spectres Tournament June 6-8 – National Junior Classic
July 10-12 – Camberwell Winter Classic Tournament
For more information about these dates and events, contact [email protected] Please note dates are subject to change. Amendments to locations, times and schedules will be published on Dragons and CDBA social media platforms. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, X and Threads for regular updates.
Around the Association
Hall of Famer in the House
Australian Opals legend and Naismith Hall of Famer Michele Timms knows a thing or two about the sport we love and is always ready to pass on her deep well of hoops knowledge to the next generation. So it was at a recent Dragons training session, when she called in to share her wisdom with our 14.1 Girls. Michele competed for the Opals at three Olympics and four FIBA world championships and played professionally all over the world. Years after her retirement, she is one of the most revered and beloved Australian players of the past 50 years. She’s still actively involved in the game as head coach at the Michele Timms Basketball Academy. Thanks for coming down, Timmsy.
Camberwell Winter Classic
Online registration for the annual Camberwell Winter Classic Junior Domestic Tournament (July 10-12 at local venues) is now open. For everything you need to know about the event and / or to register your team, click HERE or email Belinda Oakley at [email protected]
Dragons Big V this weekend
Things are heating up in the Big V and three of our four Dragons teams will be looking to take care of business in their own back yard this weekend. Our Division 1 Women host Mildura at Boroondara Sports Complex (BSC) on Saturday night (May 23, 6pm) before our Youth League Men and Championship Men feature in a double-header against Sunbury at Balwyn High School on Sunday (May 24). The YLM (second) tip things off against the league-leading Jets at 12pm, with the Championship Men’s game to follow at 2pm. Our Youth League Women hit the road on Saturday for a 5.30pm date with Albury Wodonga Bandits at Wodonga Senior Secondary College.
Dragons Online Shop – We’re Always Open
The Camberwell Dragons online shop is open for business, which means it has never been easier to find the Dragons’ gear you’re looking for. From Supporter T-Shirts and playing shorts to reversible training singlets and stylish hoodies to keep you warm during the winter months, we’ve got you covered. To visit the shop, click HERE.
Our Partners and Special Offers
Drive Smart Driver Academy – 20% Off
Drive Smart Driver Academy is offering members of the Camberwell Basketball community and their families 20% off its 5-lesson and 10-lesson packages (not including Driving Test packages). So, whether your learner is just starting out or needs a final push to get their hours up, Drive Smart’s inclusive, supportive programs are designed to build skills, independence, and confidence. To take up Drive Smart’s special offer today, call 0407 800 950 or visit www.drivesmart.net.au and type in DRAGONS20% when you book online. Drive Smart Driver Academy is a Camberwell Basketball Gold Partner and the official Partner of our 2026 Adelaide Easter Classic campaign.
SA1NT Layers – 20% Off
Camberwell Basketball and the Dragons are proud to be associated with SA1NT Layers – our official Compression Partner. SA1NT Layers’ compression range includes shorts, tights, long-sleeve top, socks, arm and calf guards, and our friends there are offering 20% off RRP storewide to our community right now. To receive your discount, click HERE and type in the special Camberwell Basketball code – DRAGONS20 – at checkout. To view the SA1NT Layers range, visit their website HERE.
Community Bank Inner East – Free Home Loan Health Checks
We’re proud to be associated with Community Bank Inner East, the official Partner of Camberwell Basketball’s Coach Development program. To find out how one of its free Home Loan Health Checks could help save you money, click HERE. It could be the best move you make this week.
Fernwood Camberwell – Student Memberships
Fernwood Camberwell, the official Gym Partner of the Camberwell Dragons Big V Senior Women’s Program, is offering flexible Student Memberships for just $19.95 per week. To find out more, click HERE. To visit the Fernwood Camberwell website, click HERE.
Plus Fitness Hawthorn East
Join Plus Fitness Hawthorn East today and get six weeks free. Just six weeks to train, build habits and see what you’re capable of. And because Plus Fitness is going big for the end of the financial year, join now and you’ll go into the draw to win a share of $40,000 in prizes The best part? The more you train, the more entries you earn. For more information, click HERE or visit the website HERE. Offer ends June 30, 2026. Plus Fitness Hawthorn East is the official Gym Partner of the Camberwell Dragons Big V Senior Men’s Program.
Fun times at The Termi
The Terminus is the official Hospitality Partner of the Camberwell Dragons, a Dragons Big V Game Day Partner and our home court for good times and team functions. For everything you need to know about the “Tailgate Party at the Termi” on Monday, June 8, scan the QR Code (left) or click HERE. Take it from us – the Terminus is the perfect place to unwind after a big weekend of King’s Birthday Weekend hoops. For more about information about the Termi, click HERE.
For more information about our Camberwell Basketball partners and how your business can engage with our vibrant and fast-growing community, call Communications, Community Engagement and Partnerships Manager Andrew Johnstone on 0425 791 610 or email [email protected]
Camberwell Basketball is proud to be associated with Courtney & Patterson Ford – the Major Partner of our Ford Aussie Hoops Program.
Ford Aussie Hoops is Basketball Australia’s official program for 4-10-year-olds, and our experienced coaches are introducing more young hoopers to our great game than ever before in 2026. And the good news is your closest Camberwell Basketball Ford Aussie Hoops Centre is closer than you think.
To find out how you and your child / children can be part of the fun and excitement and / or to register, click HERE.
Camberwell Basketball thanks Courtney & Patterson Ford for its continued support of our Aussie Hoops program. To visit the Courtney & Patterson website, click HERE.
An eight-year-old steps onto a basketball court, the ring taller than dad and his jersey so big it hangs down to his knees. Flash-forward to now. You are 26, stepping on to a basketball court with four of your teammates and you’re now almost as tall as the ring. You are running around a court, there are commentators, pressure and a drive to win.
Who are these players? And how did they end up there?
Jackson Meshanic, a starting forward for Camberwell Dragons Big V Championship Men’s team, started playing basketball at home in the United States in Year 2, just like most kids. His mum, he says, was “One of the best players in the state (of Connecticut). She got me into basketball.”
The plan in Year 2 wasn’t to become LeBron James. Basketball was for fun, and Jackson also played baseball and American football. Things changed in Year 4, when he found himself struck with genetic luck and became one of the tallest kids on the team. The drive to win stemmed from being valued on the team and the team’s reliance on him pushed him to perform at his best.
He didn’t stop growing until he reached about 198cm, which was great for basketball but, sadly, complicated his relationship with rollercoasters! The Superman is his favourite ride, the “craziest one”, but his “success rate is like 3 for 7 trying to get on”, as he is too tall.
“I’ve been playing year-round since I was 13 now,” says Jackson, who continued to play through secondary school and college. And his proudest moment in basketball?
“Signing my first pro contract,” he says. It had been a goal of mine, I wasn’t sure if I’d be good enough and, like, I didn’t even realise that was maybe an option until my coach said ‘you might be good enough to keep playing’.”
Closing in on the halfway mark of his first season with the Dragons Jackson has established himself as one of the leading rebounders in the Big V.
Basketball was to be his ticket around the world. From playing basketball in the US to the second division in Luxembourg, and all the way to Melbourne, Australia.
Jackson’s journey through college was a fulfilling one. He studied psychology and Spanish, just like his mum did. But basketball was to be his ticket around the world. From playing ball in the US to the second division in Luxembourg, and all the way to Melbourne, Australia.
His journey to Luxembourg was a unique experience. To live in another place, adapt to a new culture and meet a team of great guys. But any move to a foreign country is difficult, especially one with a language barrier. Being an import on a team brings a lot of pressure, as there can be only two international import players on a team. There is pressure to be at your best every time you take the court.
One way Jackson detaches himself from pressure is by reading. His choice in novels is fantasy. “I feel like I can disconnect from like maybe stress from the real world,” he says. The first series of books he remembers reading are Harry Potter and Percy Jackson.
Basketball is a big part of Jackson’s life, but it isn’t the only part. Along with Spanish, he speaks some French and has a background in education work. He loves to have a good laugh and enjoys sitcoms – his favourite being Two and a Half Men.
This year brought Jackson to Melbourne to play for Camberwell.
In Australia, footy “is still very much King”, he says, but “I think basketball is rapidly catching up.
“Some of the guys in the club took me to the footy within a month of me getting to Melbourne. They took me to Adelaide with them, too … this (Dragons team) is probably my favourite team I’ve been on. When travelling to games, ‘We usually carpool it and talk, just talk about nonsense on the way.”
The relationship between Jackson and his teammates goes beyond just passing to each other on a court. There is a genuine bond and a genuine want for one another to succeed. That’s what creates a winning team.
He is a part of the Dragons community and has a “pretty strong”relationship with his coach, Shawn King. “I talk to Sean, our head coach, like all the time (and) he wants the best for me and the team,” he says. “He and the assistant coaches give it to me how it is and I appreciate that.”
Jackson has also been a source of support for the youth teams in the Dragons community. “I try to go to as many youth games as I can,” he says. “I want to support them.”
Although a long way from home, Jackson (far right) is enjoying life with the Dragons, calling this group “probably my favourite team.”
Jackson understands the basketball world, because it is his world. And with that, comes sacrifice and commitment for the whole family.
“My parents were great, they drove me everywhere,” he says. “My dad drove me an hour-and-a half both ways to practice twice a week and I usually slept the whole way back. And this past two weeks they’ve come down from America, and I have been driving them to the games. We played in Geelong and they both passed out and fell asleep.
“(Without) both my parents, no way I could have kept playing basketball if they didn’t help. My parents would come to all my games, and they would only give me feedback when I asked for it.”
Jackson’s basketball journey has been expansive, exciting and is still growing.
“My advice? keep playing more than one sport as long as you can,” he says. “(It can help your) body learn different movements. Listen to your coaches, there are always people who can help you. Don’t get caught up in who wins and loses. It doesn’t matter a ton. Development is more important.”
Jackson’s story is one of many in the Camberwell community worth sharing.
• Through his first eight games with the Dragons, Jackson ranked among the league leaders in scoring (20.5ppg, seventh) and rebounding (11rpg, second).Sixth-placedCamberwell (4-4) hosts Sunbury (4-3, fourth) in a high-stakes match-up at Balwyn High School on Sunday, May 17 (2pm).
• Jenny Dixon is a member of the Camberwell Basketball Communications team and the Camberwell Dragons Big V Working Group. Look out for more of her work here in the future.
ALL PHOTOS: Craig Dingle, Melbourne Sports Photography.
