AFL national and international talent manager Kevin Sheehan says Melbourne could have up to 20 names in the mix for its first selection in this year’s NAB AFL Draft.

Although Melbourne’s first pick could change – depending on the upcoming trade period – at this stage, the red and blue will have its opening choice at No.26. Sheehan said there were plenty of impressive options available in the mid-20s.

“If you’re looking for midfielders and pace, let’s suggest that maybe a Jordan Gullucci from the Eastern Ranges and joint-captain of Vic Metro this year [could be an option],” he told Melbourne TV.

“He’s got elite pace and he should be super in the testing [in the NAB AFL Combine]. His vertical jump is super elite and he might even break the record – he’s that good. He may well be there in the mid 20s.

“Another boy who has come home with a rush is Oliver Florent from Vic Metro and Sandringham Dragons. On this very ground [at Etihad Stadium], he played very well for the Sandringham Dragons, as they won the TAC Cup final. Then he played well in the All-Star game, with close to 30 possessions in that match.

“His point of difference is speed – absolute breakaway speed. If you want someone to mix it with Jack Viney in the centre and a bit on the outside, as a run and carry player – you might look for those two boys.

“They’re so even – it’s very hard to call [who you would take], but they’re two exciting, quick midfielders that might well be there in the 20s.”

Sheehan said this year’s talent pool went deep.

“I think there’s great depth right at the backend. I think there will still be some terrific boys eligible for the rookie draft, when we get through it all,” he said.

“We’ve got an oversupply at the backend, but up front it’s so even.

“This year, there have been six or seven names thrown up [for the No.1 draft pick], so it’s very hard to decide on who you would take No.1, should you have that choice.

“We’re very rapt with it at both ends … I think it’s a midfielders’ draft, whereas last year it would’ve been a key position draft.”

This year, the NAB AFL Combine has 81 players on show at Etihad Stadium.

Every player is from across Australia, except for Mark O’Connor from Ireland, as Sheehan explained.

“He’s the best 19-year-old from Ireland and he’s from Kerry,” he said.

“We’re rapt with the depth [this year] and the clubs tells us that.

“We’ve observed these boys all year and now it’s the fine tuning of our opinion as you look at them athletically and you look at them medically. They’ll certainly be interviewed by all of the clubs over this next four days.

“It’s a really exciting time and a really nervous time for the boys, as they’re very close to fulfilling that dream of making the AFL.”

Sheehan said Melbourne had formed an exciting young list and he was optimistic about the club’s future.

“I think [Melbourne is] in great shape,” he said.

“You want your bookends right and the McDonald boys have come on really well in recent years. You look at Oscar this year and Tom has been a mainstay in recent years.

“Up forward, you’ve got Jesse Hogan, who has re-signed, which is fantastic news and Jack Watts, who has had his best year and [the club] is really starting to build the tall players.

“Jack Viney is a best and fairest player and he’s really emerged in the midfield and then there is [Angus] Brayshaw, [Christian] Petracca, [Clayton] Oliver and an exciting group of players, so it’s onwards and upwards as far as I’m concerned with the Dees – they look to be in great shape.

“Let’s just hope in the next year or two, [Melbourne] can pinch one (premiership).”