Burston joins the Dragons after six seasons and 115 games with the Perth Wildcats, averaging 10 points and six rebounds for his NBL career.

Despite major ankle surgery in last year’s off-season, Burston managed 21 games for the Wildcats last season, including 17 points and nine rebounds in his last game, a close-fought semi-final loss to eventual champions Melbourne Tigers.

Minor corrective surgery on his right ankle just over a month ago has Burston restricted to crutches at present, the big-man expected to be game-fit by August.

The move to Melbourne will mean Burston can be closer to his girl friend Shelley Hammonds, who plays for Dandenong in the WNBL.

“It’s an exciting new beginning. To leave Perth was a very difficult decision, but to be part of a program that’s got such great support both on and off the court was the best move for my career,” Burston said.

“With the player group assembled I’ve no doubt this team is capable of a top-four finish and from there, we make our own destiny.

“To be the first ‘big’ signing for the club is a special achievement and I look forward to working as hard as I can for the Dragons in the coming months to be ready for September.”

Ranked second in NBL for offensive rebounds and ninth for steals in 2004 and in 2003, Burston won the NBL’s most improved player of the year award in 2003.

Playing in the 2003 grand final, Burston played in a losing series to the Sydney Kings, who were lead at the time by the South Dragons inaugural Captain Shane Heal.

“Matt’s a pivotal signing for our club,” added Dragons chairman Mark Cowan. “It’s our belief that as part of this program we can have him playing at a standard that will have him in Boomers contention.

“Ricky Grace has said that Matt has the best hand skills of anyone he’s played with, which is a great endorsement for someone of his height.”

Burston becomes the Dragons seventh signing and joins Adam Quick, Shane Heal, Frank Drmic, Jacob Holmes, Matt Shanahan and Joe Ingles to form the clubs inaugural roster thus far.