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Who will claim the HDFL's top honour?
Pat O’Brien (Colbinabbin) – the Grasshoppers’ midfielder was one of the HDFL’s most consistent players of the home and away season.
He figured in the Grasshoppers’ best players in 14 of their 16 games, and also chipped in with 15 goals, which should help catch the attention of the umpires.
Blake Coyle (Heathcote) – one of the smoothest movers through traffic has plenty of tricks up his sleeve on the footy field.
Arguably the recruit of the season in the HDFL and a key reason why the Saints were able to remain a finals-quality side in 2013.
Ryan Semmel (Huntly) – will go into the count as one of the red-hot favourites after a brilliant second season with the Hawks.
Big, strong midfielder who stands out with his ability to win clearances and a penetrating kick.
I’ll back him in to become the first Huntly player to win the Cheatley Medal since Steven Freemantle in 2001.
Stacy Fiske (Huntly) – like Semmel, the coach has had a big season in the midfield for the Hawks, leading the way each week with his fierce determination and never give-in attitude.
Will be interesting to see how Semmel’s expected strong polling affects his chances.
Russell Lee (Leitchville-Gunbower) – the onballer was the much-improved Bombers’ best player this year in his first season in the HDFL and is a proven vote-getter in league counts.
He won last year’s Kyabram District Football League McNamara Medal with Violet Town.
Adrian Dohnt (LBU) – along with Semmel, goes into the count as one of the players to beat.
Is a former winner of the medal, having taken it out in 2010.
A supreme midfielder who rarely wastes a possession.
Jarrod Findlay (Mount Pleasant) – tough to win the medal from a team that won just four games, but he stands out with his class and poise, and there won’t be many team-mates taking votes off him.
Daniel Sipthorp (North Bendigo) – shapes as one of the early pace-setters in the count after his brilliant start to the season when the Bulldogs were up and about.
Suffered a shoulder injury in the second half of the season, which will curtail his chances of winning.
Josh Gitsham (North Bendigo) – hard to believe he was going to retire after last season.
The lion-hearted workhorse had another impressive season in the ruck for the Bulldogs, and considering he’s won the past two medals, has got to be considered a chance of making it a hat-trick.
Hayden Wright (White Hills) – the midfielder plays with plenty of flair and looms as perhaps the Demons’ best chance.
