There are probably half a dozen players in serious contention, plus another half-dozen who are almost guaranteed to feature strongly.

In my opinion, the three front-runners are Horsham’s Nick Pekin, Horsham Saint Sam Clyne and Minyip-Murtoa’s John Delahunty.

But good luck to anybody who can pick the winner.

Pekin is one of a number of players in the mix for the minor premier.

The star midfielder – who has finished equal fourth, third and fourth in the past three seasons’ counts – is a proven vote-getter and is sure to be thereabouts again.

Pekin has played in every match and was among the Demons’ top two players on eight occasions. The Demons won six of those matches.

The no-nonsense on-baller also kicked 49 goals, meaning he was sure to draw the umpires’ attention.

But Pekin’s charge will depend on how well a number of star team-mates – who have legitimate Toohey Medal claims of their own – poll.

Co-coach Jordyn Burke has again led the way for the Demons and has been one of the competition’s dominant talls, while Joel Geue’s sensational second half of the season could see him ride home on a wave of votes.

Geue was named the Demons’ best in four of his final eight home and away matches.

At Coughlin Park, first-year Horsham Saint Clyne will be optimistic about his chances.

Clyne played in all but one home and 

away match and has arguably been the Saints’ most-consistent performer in 2014.

He was named the Saints’ best player in five matches. The Saints won four of those games.

But ruckman Michael Rowe will also poll strongly, as will Pat Knott, who ran amok in the first half of the season and could lead the count at the mid-way point.

Missing two games last year derailed Burra Delahunty’s chances as he finished five votes off the pace in fourth.

But another strong season should see him feature heavily on Monday night.

Delahunty played 15 home and away matches and was named among Minyip-Murtoa’s best players on 12 occasions.

However ruckman Kieran Delahunty and first-year Burra Justin Garth have also enjoyed consistent seasons and could poll heavily.

The Warrack Eagles’ chances of bringing home the medal are likely to be led by skipper Ben Harrison and lively midfielder Jake Peters, while Dimboola has a number of players that cannot be ruled out of contention.

Stars Ash Clugston and Lachie Exell were both prominent up forward throughout the season despite the Roos not making the finals, while midfielder Andrew Seers was consistently named among the side’s best players.

First-year Ararat recruits Dan Mendes and Beau Cosson are likely to poll strongly, but the likes of skipper Alan Batchelor and half-back Jake Williamson should also pick up votes.

The roughie is undoubtedly Stawell skipper Tom Eckel, who has been a warrior all year despite his side only winning two games for the season.

Eckel was named the Warriors’ best in their two wins and was consistently one of their outstanding performers.

Nhill co-captain Simon Brearley was runner-up at last year’s count and while he should lead the winless Tigers’ count he is unlikely to be in the race for the league’s highest honour.