THE SANDRINGHAM Dragons could be set for a bumper NAB AFL Draft, with five players shaping as potential first-round selections. 

After winning the TAC Cup premiership, the Dragons may see four players – Andrew McGrath, Tim Taranto, Jack Scrimshaw and GWS academy member Will Setterfield – all selected inside the top 10, a feat no club has achieved in the past 25 years.

Meanwhile, running machine Oliver Florent is also in the mix as a possible mid-to-late first-round selection in a deep draft pool.

But Dragons talent manager Ryan O'Connor knows there are no guarantees as clubs, players and recruiters count down to the November 25 draft night in Sydney.

"Potentially you can say that (Sandringham could have four top 10 picks), but it changes on draft night," O'Connor told AFL.com.au.

"It seems like a really deep draft and I think there's a lot of last-minute checking and re-checking when it comes to draft picks, whether it's character references or subjective measures.

"It's interesting in terms of what is going to split some of the top picks; it's quite exciting actually."

Many recruiters believe McGrath is in a tussle with North Ballarat midfielder Hugh McCluggage to be taken with Essendon's coveted No.1 pick.

Andrew McGrath has dominated to rocket into the No.1 mix. Picture: AFL Photos

"He's super-competitive so there would be a part of him that wants to win that little battle and I think he would enjoy the accolade, but I don't think it would hamper him at all," O'Connor said.

"He's a really driven kid who probably is very, very team-focused and how he can have the best impact on the day – I don't think that would change at all."

McGrath's stocks have skyrocketed after he pushed into midfield this season.

The 179cm prospect was best on ground in the TAC Cup decider with 38 touches and has developed his game after starting out as a rebounding defender in his bottom-age year.

"That's given him a lease on life in terms of being able to run and link-up and carry a bit more and I think that's enhanced his backline play in a way," O'Connor said.

"I know a number of clubs think he's got the ability to go forward and play one-on-one too, so he's pretty flexible.

"I think in the right environment he definitely will (play senior football next year)."

Tim Taranto has enjoyed a strong finish to 2016. Picture: AFL Photos

Taranto, a strong-marking 186cm midfielder, dominated towards the end of the TAC Cup season, booting four goals in the Dragons' preliminary final and racking up 31 touches with 11 tackles in the Grand Final to loom as a high draft selection.

"People have said, 'Gee, he had a great finish to the year' … I think he's been good all year," O'Connor said.

"He's been able to handle the different levels or standards of footy, and sometimes that's really hard to do.

"I think it just goes to his footy smarts and ability to impact the game. As a midfielder, his strength above his head is outstanding.

"I think he's just starting to realise how good he can be."

Oliver Florent's running power makes him an enticing prospect. Picture: AFL Photos

Sandringham had six players taken at the national draft alone back in 2013 – headlined by Josh Kelly (pick two), Christian Salem (nine) and Nathan Freeman (10) – and, including the rookie draft, could have 10-12 in the mix this year.

"I'd say we'd have between that number of kids who have been discussed at some stage in terms of a late pick or a rookie," O'Connor said.

"Hopefully the finish to the season with the side playing finals and the boys being able to reproduce form again and again has helped some clubs say, 'He's something that we want and we're going to give him a chance late or as a rookie'.

"Whether that's a Lachie Filipovic, Ari Sakeson or Harry Burt … they could potentially be later draft picks or rookies or come back next year and play as 19-year-olds with us."

Jack Scrimshaw's classy left foot has piqued recruiters' interest. Picture: AFL Photos