The Gary Ayres Medal, also known as the Gary Ayres Award, is an annual award presented by the AFL Coaches Association to the player judged best across the AFL finals series. Each week during the finals, the senior coach of each competing club votes on the best players using a 5-4-3-2-1 system for the match, and the player with the most votes at the end of the finals wins the award. Since 2022, votes given for the AFL Grand Final receive a 1.5 times loading, increasing their value. The award is named after Gary Ayres, a notable former AFL player who won five premierships and two Norm Smith Medals as best on ground in Grand Finals during his career.

Summary of key points:

• Awarded to the best player in the AFL finals series, as voted by coaches weekly.
• Voting uses a 5-4-3-2-1 system each final, with the grand final votes weighted.
• Named in honor of Gary Ayres, a legendary AFL player and coach.
• First awarded in 2016 and continues annually.
• The most recent winner in 2025 is Will Ashcroft from Brisbane Lions.

This award distinguishes the best overall performer during the high-stakes finals, reflecting consistent excellence under pressure.