The best player of this year's finals series will win the Gary Ayres Award after the AFL Coaches Association struck a new medal in the Hawthorn great's honour.

"Playing finals is what you want to achieve and it's why you sacrifice so much and do all the hard work," Ayres said.

"When you step onto that finals arena, it's about not losing sight of what's on offer.

"And if you're lucky enough to be successful it's just a wonderful achievement. It's why we ride the highs and lows."

Nathan Schmook for AFL.com.au