DUAL Norm Smith medallist Andrew McLeod will present the award to the player adjudged best afield in this year's Grand Final, the AFL announced at its finals launch at Federation Square on Monday.

The League also revealed retired Port Adelaide great Kane Cornes as this year's premiership cup ambassador, while Carlton legend Robert Walls will present the Jock McHale Medal to the winning coach.

Bulldogs goalkicking champion Simon Beasley will award West Coast's Josh Kennedy the John Coleman Medal when the Virgin Australia All Australian team is announced on September 22.

McLeod, who won back-to-back Norm Smith medals in 1997 and 1998, is one of three players to win the prestigious award twice.

Hawthorn great Gary Ayres and current Hawks captain Luke Hodge are the only others to achieve that feat.

Walls, who until recently was living in France, was on hand as the AFL officially kicked off this year's finals series.

A triple-premiership player for Carlton in 1968, 1970 and 1972, Walls coached the club to the 1987 flag.

He is also a member of the Australian Rules Football Hall of Fame.

"To be able to present the Jock McHale Medal to the winning coach is an honour," Walls told reporters after the launch.

"It happened to me many, many years ago. But as the years go by it becomes a little more important and valued to you, because you know it doesn't happen often.

"All of the coaches in the final eight would all be worthy winners. Whoever I have the privilege of handing it to, I will be very proud to give it to them because, my word, they will have earned it."



Robert Walls with the premeirship cup on Monday. Picture: AFL Media



McLeod was unable to attend the launch as he was fulfilling his duties with the AFL's indigenous program, while Cornes was also absent as he completes the final stages of his entry into the South Australian Fire Service.

Walls said all eight coaches would be deserving winners of the Jock McHale Medal, but his personal connection with Fremantle coach Ross Lyon has him hoping he can break his Grand Final drought.

"I coached Ross when he was 17 at Fitzroy and I coached him when he was 31 at Brisbane," Walls said.

"He's done everything except become a premiership coach and that would be a thrill for me."