An exciting batch of Sandringham Dragons capable of stepping straight into AFL next season

SANDRINGHAM Dragons could have up to six players picked up in the AFL Draft in Sydney on November 24.

Andrew Brayshaw shows the pain after competing in the Yo-Yo run during the AFL Draft Combine at Etihad Stadium last month. Picture: Michael Dodge

SANDRINGHAM Dragons set the AFL draft alight last year when they had five players in the top 11.

Among them were Essendon star Andrew McGrath and GWS gun Tim Taranto.

Nearly 12 months on and the Dragons are set for more draft delight, with coach Jeremy Barnard predicting “conservatively” between four and six Sandy players will be picked up.

“We’ve got high-end talent and we are pretty confident we’ll go well,’’ he said.

Andy Brayshaw, Charlie Constable, Hayden McLean, Will Walker, Nathan Murphy and Joel Amartey are the the Dragons’ most likely draftees, according to Barnard, who says all are capable of stepping straight into AFL next season.

“I would have thought so. Any one of those are capable of playing straight away in a good AFL system,” he said.

“It depends where you go and if they need someone straight away.’’

Andy Brayshaw, younger brother of Melbourne midfielder Angus Brayshaw, is firming as a top-10 ­selection.

Andrew Brayshaw in action for Vic Metro.

Charlie Constable shoots out a handball.

Hayden McLean of Sandringham Dragons celebrates a goal against the Greater Western Victoria Rebels in May.

Barnard says the Dragons’ class of 2017 was full of talent.

“It’s a bit unfair to compare them to last year. Last year we had five boys drafted in the top 11. It’s never been done before, ever, in the draft.

“These guys are on a par with previous drafts. We think we’ve got some really good prospects who have developed nicely in the back end of the year.

“Draft day, though, is notoriously unpredictable. We think we are a good chance.’’

Meanwhile, Barnard says he and his players have emerged stronger from the heartbreak of their after-the-siren loss in the grand final in September.

“The first week was pretty tough for us all, no doubt,’’ Barnard said.

“But you can’t do anything about it. Unfortunately we were just that little bit short.

“For most of the boys they are going to go on and have wonderful senior careers. This is just a moment in their career. It’s only us old coaches who hang on to it a bit longer than others.”

Barnard said Amartey, the lad who took a strong mark moments before the final siren, only to miss his set shot, had “bounced back well’’.

“He’s done really well. I was really proud to say that the group really got around him and supported him because he only had the last shot. We had plenty of chances to win the game throughout, there’s no doubt about that,’’ Barnard said.

“He’s bounced back well, as you’d expect an 18-year-old would, to be resilient.’’