Camberwell Dragons are excited to announce Mitch Bacon as Head Coach of our Under 20.1 Men’s team.
A true Dragons success story, Mitch progressed through our junior pathway before going on to play and captain our Youth League Men’s team. Following his playing career, he joined the coaching ranks and was an assistant coach of our championship-winning Youth League Men’s program last season.
Mitch will continue in his role as Assistant Coach of the Youth League Men team, further strengthening the connection between our junior and senior programs and providing a clear development pathway for aspiring Dragons athletes.
We are proud to see one of our own continue to grow within the club and look forward to the leadership and passion Mitch will bring to our Under 20 Men program.
Tryout Information
Sunday, October 11 10.30am-12pm Balwyn High School
I’m writing today with an important update on our committee, along with a heartfelt thank you to two members of our board who will be stepping down.
A Sincere Thank You
After many years of dedicated service to the Camberwell District Basketball Association, Craig Shearer and Sarah Liao will be retiring from the committee. Both have given generously of their time, energy and expertise to support our community, and much of CDBA’s growth and success over the years is owed to their contributions.
On behalf of the association and our 5,000+ participants across the community, thank you both for your commitment, leadership, and the countless hours you’ve invested in making CDBA what it is today. You’ll be greatly missed around the committee table, and we’re grateful for everything you’ve done.
Committee Vacancies
With these departures, we’re now seeking to fill two important positions on the committee: Vice President and Treasurer. If you or someone you know within our community might be interested, we’d love to hear from you.
Vice President – The Vice President supports the President in the overall leadership and strategic direction of the Association, stepping in where needed to ensure continuity of governance. The role typically involves assisting with key decision-making, representing CDBA at events and in discussions with external stakeholders, and helping guide the committee toward the Association’s long-term goals. We are ideally seeking someone with strategic
Treasurer – The Treasurer is responsible for overseeing the Association’s finance, risk and governance position, working closely with the President, CEO and Finance Manager, providing oversight, scrutiny and strategic financial guidance. We’re ideally seeking someone with relevant finance experience — a qualified accountant would be well suited to the role — who is comfortable governing and questioning financial performance rather than preparing it.
Both roles are a fantastic opportunity to contribute directly to the future of basketball in our community, and full support and handover will be provided to whoever steps into these positions.
Looking to Give Back?
If either of these roles sounds like a fit, please forward your CV to [email protected] and the [email protected] by Friday the 9th October 2026.
Camberwell District Basketball Association is excited to welcome legendary Davidson College Head Coach Bob McKillop for a special development clinic.
Across 33 seasons at Davidson, McKillop recorded 634 NCAA Division I wins, led his teams to 10 NCAA Tournament appearances, and coached Stephen Curry throughout his college career, including Davidson’s famous run to the 2008 NCAA Elite Eight. Players will experience a high-level, competitive clinic focused on skill development, decision-making, and game concepts from one of college basketball’s most respected coaches. This is a rare opportunity for young players to get on court and learn directly from Stephen Curry’s college coach.
Clinic Details
Date: Thursday 1st October Venue: Kew High School
Session 1 – U14 9:30am – 12:00pm Girls & Boys born in 2014 & 2015
Session 2 – U16 12:30pm – 3:00pm Girls & Boys born in 2012 & 2013
Cost: $77
Don’t Miss Out!
Places are limited for this unique opportunity to learn from one of the most accomplished coaches in college basketball history. Join Bob McKillop on court and develop the skills, decision-making, and basketball IQ that have inspired generations of players, including Stephen Curry.
Camberwell Basketball is seeking an experienced, highly motivated and engaging head coach to lead the Camberwell Dragons VBL (formerly Big V) Championship Men’s team.
For more information about this position please click HERE or email [email protected]
TO APPLY:
Please email your application (cover letter and detailed resume) to:
Camberwell Dragons would like to announce that Shawn King has made the decision to step down as Head Coach of our Championship Men’s program.
Over the past two seasons, Shawn has been an outstanding leader, helping drive the continued growth and success of the program. Most notably, he guided the team to its best season on record in 2026, finishing in the top four of the Big V Championship Division.
Shawn’s efforts were also recognised across the league, earning him a nomination for the 2026 Big V Coach of the Year Award.
CDBA’s CEO Ross Wignell said:
“Shawn has made a significant contribution to our Championship Men’s program over the past two seasons. Finishing in the top four this year was a fantastic achievement and a new benchmark for our Championship Men’s program. Shawn should be extremely proud of what he has helped build and we are incredibly grateful for his contribution to Camberwell Dragons.
On behalf of everyone at Camberwell, I thank Shawn for his dedication and leadership and wish him every success for the future.”
We thank Shawn for his dedication, professionalism, and contribution to the club over the past two seasons and wish him all the best in his future endeavours.
Thank you Shawn, for everything you have given to our program.
The Camberwell Dragons are excited to announce the appointment of Conor Mathews as our Youth League Men Head Coach.
Conor’s appointment is a perfect example of the Dragons pathway in action. Beginning as a bottom-age Under 14 player, he proudly played his entire junior career with the Dragons while simultaneously beginning his coaching journey within the club.
At just 15 years of age, following several seasons coaching with the Koonung Comets, Conor was appointed Assistant Coach of our 12/1 Boys team. It quickly became evident that he possessed a passion for player development and a deep understanding of the game. He would later become our Under 12 Boys Age Group Head Coach, helping establish a strong foundation that has benefited the entire Dragons program.
Across eleven seasons of coaching at Camberwell, Conor has enjoyed significant success at multiple age groups. His achievements include qualifying several teams for the National Junior Classic and leading the first Dragons team in club history to the Under 14 Club National Championships, a milestone achievement for both Conor and the club.
More recently, Conor has served as Assistant Coach of our Youth League Men program, working closely alongside Fraser Kennedy, while also leading our Under 18/1 Boys team, including another National Junior Classic appearance. His work across both programs has helped strengthen the pathway for our male athletes, creating a seamless transition from junior representative basketball through to Youth League competition.
Camberwell Dragons CEO Ross Wignell said:
We are incredibly proud of Conor and the journey he has taken through the Dragons program. From junior player to Youth League Men Head Coach, his story reflects the values, culture and development opportunities that exist within our club.
Conor’s appointment was a natural choice, and we are excited to see him lead our Youth League Men through the upcoming Youth Qualification Series as they look to establish themselves at the Victorian Youth Championship (VYC) level following their Championship-winning season.
Congratulations, Conor, and best of luck in your new role.
If you are interested in trialling for our Youth League Men, the dates for trials are:
Sunday 20th September – 12.00pm – 1.30pm Kew High School
Thursday 8th October – 8.00pm – 9.30pm Camberwell Grammar School
Thursday 15th October – 8.00pm – 9.30pm Camberwell Grammar School
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.
