'COACH of the 90s' Denis Pagan will present the Jock McHale Medal to this year's premiership-winning coach.
The AFL has also confirmed former Brisbane rover Shaun Hart, who won the Norm Smith Medal in 2001, will present this year's medal for best-afield.
Former Hawthorn star and three-time premiership defender Josh Gibson will be this year's premiership cup ambassador.
The finals were officially launched at Toyota HQ in Melbourne on Monday morning with the cup and medals unveiled.
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For the first time, the three field umpires will be awarded a medal for officiating in the decider.
Pagan, who has tipped West Coast to benefit from two home finals and win the Grand Final, said he was "really thrilled to be involved".
"It's a great time of the year in Melbourne and it looks like it's going to be a really exciting four to five weeks," Pagan said.
Pagan won premierships as North Melbourne coach in 1996 and 1999.
Hart will present the medal this year, with Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley in line for 2019.
AFL CEO Gill McLachlan said the pre-finals bye was here to stay.
"This is its third year and we're coming off two years of record crowds and record ratings, and the football and finals series themselves have been fabulous," he said.
"I think the bye has played its small part in that.
"Players get back from injuries and there are a number of clubs this year looking to get players back from injuries.
"Players are tired and worn out and they get fresh and fit, and the anticipation leading into this week is incredible."
Thursday night's MCG clash between Richmond and Hawthorn is officially a sellout, while Friday night's Melbourne-Geelong clash is expected to reach the same status with just over 3000 tickets remaining.
The West Coast-Collingwood clash at Optus Stadium scheduled for Saturday night is also sold out, while the Sydney-GWS Saturday afternoon game has some tickets remaining.
"We have over 270,000 going to the football this weekend and everyone is ready for it, and I feel comfortable with where it's going," McLachlan said.
"The ticket sales and anticipation is there, and we've got a month of football ahead of us that I think is going to be like no other."
McLachlan also said any rule changes for next season would be put to the AFL Commission at its next meeting in the week leading into the Grand Final.
The Grand Final entertainment is expected to be confirmed later this week, with McLachlan predicting it was a choice that would be "very well received".
