The 2026/27 season will be the biggest summer in Doncaster Dragons history, with a club-record 23 teams taking the field in the green and gold, the equal most for a Victorian club.
The lineup includes five senior men’s teams, three women’s teams and a club-record 15 junior teams.
It’s why our President, Duffy Dowling, has been smiling extra wide these past few weeks.
“To say we’re pretty proud of this is an understatement,” Dowling said. “We have a genuine pathway at Doncaster, from those just starting out in baseball through to those looking to represent the sport at the highest level.”
It’s a milestone that takes plenty of planning, cooperation and hard work behind the scenes, so Dowling was quick to recognise the volunteers, coaches and committee members who make the club what it is.
“I want to say thank you and congratulate all the people who have made this happen. We don’t get anywhere near this without the work of our amazing volunteers, from our committee members, coaches, scorers, umpires, canteen workers, spectators and more.
“A special mention and thank you goes to our Men’s Program Coach Jean Alvarado, Women’s Program Coach Samantha Hamilton, Junior Coordinator Jess Campbell and Junior Club Coach Ali Moini, for their dedication and hard work.
“Also to Baseball Victoria, to the Manningham Council, and also to our great sponsors and partners.”
Among the highlights of our record junior program is a significant new addition: an all-girls team competing in Baseball Victoria’s inaugural 16U girls competition.
Overall, 23 teams places Doncaster equal with Blackburn for total team numbers across the Victorian Summer Baseball Leagues.
“When you think about where this club has come from and what we have achieved in just over 50 years, it’s phenomenal,” Dowling said.
“But what is truly remarkable is that we are still building our great family from our home at Deep Creek Reserve.
“It truly is a testament to our amazing Dragon family we have at the Lair that we can make all of this happen.”
