(Image: Getty)

AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan has confirmed James Hird will present the 2017 Norm Smith Medal.

Hird last month was invited to present the award on grand final day this season.

McLachlan confirmed on Thursday Hird has accepted the invitation.

The former Essendon champion is next in line, following a pattern the AFL put into place in recent years.

The medal has been presented in order by previous winners, with 1999 medallist Shannon Grant presenting last year's award.

Hird is the next in line, having won the Norm Smith Medal in 2000.