On the eve of an exciting new beginning for the NBL, South Dragons captain Shane Heal believes competition is going to be tough, with up to six teams capable of taking out the title.

"The league is tough," said Heal, just under a week from his NBL return.

"The Australian league has always been tough and I think it has continued to grow in talent.

"There are probably five or six teams that can win the championship and I think every team can vie for a top eight finish."

Heal says if the squad can remain fit, the Dragons can match it with the Tigers, Bullets and Kings - who he says are the favourite contenders for the title.

"Our goal is to finish top four, if we can do that we give ourselves a great chance to run at the championship," added Heal.

The Dragons' first game will come on September 26, against a fresh-look NZ Breakers line-up bolstered by the off-season addition of 2005 NBL MVP Brian Wethers.

The first home match for Victoria's newest franchise will come October 14 against the Wollongong Hawks at Vodafone Arena.

"I think we’re going to bring a bit of excitement (to the NBL)," Heal explained.

"We know it’s going to be competitive and tough for us to be successful in our first year but we’ve got pretty lofty goals of being able to make the top four and I think if we could do that it would be unbelievable."

Tickets are on sale now for the Dragons first home clash:

South Dragons v Wollongong Hawks
When: Saturday 14 October - Action starts at 7:00pm
Where: Vodafone Arena

Get in quick and buy your tickets through Ticketek by calling 13 28 49 or visiting www.ticketek.com