From where I sat it looked like a basketball game…then again at one point it looked like a world title fight. Or at the very least like an example of American cable based wrestling. Did somebody say Rowdy Roddy Piper? The South Dragons may have lost against the Brisbane Bullets 98-111 but it would appear that they have won over many fans with their obvious desire to be rated as one of the NBL’s benchmark teams. With two wins (consecutive leading into the Bullets game) from 9 outings there is no doubting the Dragons have a great deal of work to do should they ascend to such a mantle, however after watching on as they went down to the better team in Brisbane there are a number of indicators that the franchise has much more to give.

First and foremost I was excited to hear almost 3,000 (2,982 to be exact) fans combine to support the Dragons from the first tip until the last. If the fans continue to develop their in-game knowledge and timing they will become a very important weapon in assisting the South Dragons win games. Secondly it was heartening to watch the big-bird Matty Burston spread his wings and score some key baskets. As his hands, feet and self belief develop I believe that Matty will become a key ingredient for the Dragons particularly on defense where his wing span should alter many a shot. Finally it is extremely encouraging to see players like Brent Hobba come off the bench ready and able to contribute on both ends of the floor. If the Dragons are going to really make an impact in season 2006/7 the bench, in general, must offer a blend of hustle and marksmanship consistently.

At this time I am comparing the South Dragons inaugural season to that of the Melbourne Victory (soccer). The Victory certainly did it tough at times as they fought to establish a fan base, club culture and of course on field success but moving into the A-leagues second season the Victory have become a force to be reckoned with. I hope that a similar scenario will repeat in principle for the South Dragons as they develop their club. I am looking forward to Melbourne Cup eve and the game against the Sydney Kings.