Coaches are backing Old Collegians’ Colby Rix, Kolora-Noorat’s Joey Conheady and Dennington’s Angus Chirnside to poll heavily.

Merrivale’s Alister Porter, whose team was knocked out in the elimination final stage, and South Rovers’ Nathan Murphy also received support from the competition’s mentors.

Kolora-Noorat coach Danny Finn backed captain Conheady and vice-captain Scott Judd to attract votes. 

"Tim Ryan kicked 80 odd goals and if he gets five or six best on grounds, he could put himself right in the mix," he said.

Dennington coach Darcy Lewis also backed one of his charges, saying Chirnside’s consistency made him a contender in his first season in the competition.

“He's never a really flashy sort of player, but he always gets himself plenty of the footy,” he said.

“I've actually been pretty impressed with the Willsher brothers when we've played Nirranda.”

Deakin Uni captain Mitch Hodgson tipped Chirnside too.

“You've got to be an in-and-under player (to poll well),” he said.

Old Collegians coach Josh Reichman said Rix’s goalkicking ability – he’s slotted 32 majors from the midfield – might help him attract votes.

“I reckon Colby Rix will probably be leading it halfway, maybe Scott Lenehan could be right up there.

“Scott has been really consistent in the ruck. He's been consistently in our best and he's under the umpires' noses.”

Panmure leader Joe Kenna expects Murphy to win from Rix and Conheady.

“It’s usually someone from a team around six or seven,” he said.

“Nathan Murphy might win it pretty easy. South Rovers won a good chunk of games and he was clearly the best the days they played us.”

Lions coach Nathan Isles, who expects Rix to contend, believes Murphy deserved to be in the best and fairest discussion.

“His motivation and enjoyment factor is much higher than it’s been a in a long time for him and he’d admit that,” he said.

Timboon Demons coach Mick Hunt tipped Rix and Murphy, Russells Creek mentor Luke Kenna believes Chirnside, Conheady and Murphy will vie for the top honour and East Warrnambool’s Paul Hrabar labelled it “an open field”.

The D.G Membery A grade netball award will also be presented at City Memorial Bowls Club.

The Warrnambool and District league second semi-final is at Allansford on Saturday and first semi-final at Merrivale on Sunday.