HFNL coaches give their tips for this year's Maskell Medal

Some were straightforward predictions while one leader threw a curve ball in the race for the league's top individual honour.

Koroit stars Sam Dobson and Liam Hoy, Port Fairy trio Kaine Mercovich, Matt Sully and Dan Nicholson, North Warrnambool Eagles' ball winner Sam McLachlan, Warrnambool duo Darren Ewing and Jye Turland and Portland rising star Harris Jennings were all named.

Camperdown co-coach Neville Swayn and South Warrnambool leader Mat Battistello picked Dobson as their winner.

"Umpires would notice him because of his work rate up and down the ground," Swayn said.

"He does some good stuff in air and on the ground, he is a pretty complete player. He had a few injury issues but I still think he will poll well."

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Former Tigers coach Tom Sharp said he wouldn't be surprised if his young star Jennings scored an unlikely win.

"He was a standout for us all year. As there weren't too many standouts for our side, there are not too many people who can steal votes off him," he said.

"A lot of other teams have three or four in contention but I really think he had a strong and consistent year and wouldn't be surprised if he polled a few votes."

Departing Hamilton Kangaroos coach Matt Dunn picked both Mercovich and McLachlan as his winners while former Terang Mortlake leader Michael Sargeant and Cobden mentor Adam Courtney opted for the Eagles star.

"They are both standouts in strong midfields," Dunn said of the pair.

"McLachlan because North only had one loss and a draw so he is going to figure in getting those two and threes (votes) because he works so hard.

"Mercovich is always under the umpires' eyes as a clearance winner and a line-breaker and I think Port have won enough games for him to be among the twos and threes."

Koroit coach Chris McLaren picked Ben Dobson as his club's best chance while also selecting McLachlan and Seagulls leader Nicholson as his tips for the award.

"Sam McLachlan charged home hard but he missed the start of year which will hurt him," he said.

"I think Dan Nicholson is one of the best in competition and if he gets some votes he should do well."

North Warrnambool Eagles mentor Adam Dowie opted for Jye Turland after he backed the choice of his year 12 PE boys who suggested the Warrnambool star.

Port Fairy assistant Winis Imbi tipped Hoy and Ewing as his favourites while also tipping Sully, Mercovich and Kurt Smith as the Seagulls' highest polling players.

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