Three hundred and fifty fans were on hand at Geelong Arena on Monday to see the Dragons’ camp put through its paces. The session was both an opportunity for the Dragons stars to get up close and personal with their regional supporters and to train in the venue for Sunday night’s clash with the Cairns Taipans.

For over two hours the Dragons worked through a series of skills exercises, fitness drills and simulated match play, all under the watchful eyes of their regional fans.

But it was not just the South Dragons who showed off their basketball ability – local supporters were called out of the crowd to exhibit their own sharp shooting skills. Enthusiastic juniors showed no sign of a school holiday slump, netting baskets from all corners of the court.

Basketball legend and Dragons’ development manager Michele Timms supervised the on-court drills and handed out prizes all afternoon, giving away Dragons merchandise to scores of lucky ticket-holders.

At the end of a rigorous training session the South Dragons took time to sign autographs and pose for photographs with their fans. Geelong’s future stars of basketball chatted away to their South idols as they collected the signatures of their favourite NBL players.

South Dragons fans will return to Geelong Arena this Sunday for the Round 17 clash with Cairns. Tip-off is at 6:00pm.