Central Highlands league: Jake Carr, Sam Dunstan, Bradley McKay

Eight teams remain in the hunt for Central Highlands league premiership glory. Here are the top players who could lead their team to a flag.

The top guns in the Central Highlands league have been revealed.

Eight teams remain in the hunt for Central Highlands league premiership glory as the finals series prepares to kick off this weekend.

Gordon remain the hot favourites after finishing as undefeated minor premier from their 11 games.

But Hepburn, Rokewood Corindhap and Dunnstown will all fancy their chances heading into September having also earned the double chance with a top four finish.

Meanwhile, Buningyong, Springbank, Waubra and Skipton will be dreaming of a fairytale finish to the season facing do-or-die clashes for each week they advance.

Here’s a look at the players who could have the biggest impact for their team.

Matthew Aikman (Rokewood Corindhap)

Aikman has established himself as one of the better players in the competition after crossing from North Ballarat, being named in the best eight times.

Caius Barrenger (Buninyong)

Barrenger has booted 27 majors this season, providing a strong target inside forward 50.

Zak Bozanich (Springbank)

The pre-season recruit has been in devastating touch inside forward 50 with 31 goals from nine games.

Matthew Bylluss (Dunnstown)

The Dunnstown star has 31 goals to his name this season and has been in the best on several occasions.

Jake Carr (Rokewood Corindhap)

Carr is his side’s leading goalkicker with 31 goals including a season’s best of seven in the last home and away game against Clunes.

Ethan Crackel (Gordon)

Crackle is a midfielder averaging more than a goal a game and will play an important role in his side’s quest for a premiership.

Sam Dunstan (Hepburn)

The competition’s leading goalkicker with 82 goals from 11 games, Dunstan is made for the big time with the ability to produce match winning displays.

Hepburn’s Sam Dunstan.

Mitch Gilbert (Skipton)

In his first season with Skipton, Gilbert has quickly established himself as one of the top players in the competition.

Will Green (Waubra)

The young gun has continued to impress this season with eight goals from 10 games.

Will Henderson (Dunnstown)

The young gun has excelled in 2021 with consistent displays which have caught the eyes of Dunnstown and opposition supporters.

Josh King (Waubra)

King has started producing his best footy at the right time with three of his last four performances seeing him named in the best.

Waubra won the 2019 Central Highlands Football League premiership, beating Hepburn by 52 points in the final.

Jack Leonard (Dunnstown)

Leonard has been one of his side’s most consistent performers this season having been named in the best seven times.

Andy McKay (Hepburn)

On a weekly basis this season, McKay has either appeared in the goalkickers or among the best, sometimes both.

Bradley McKay (Hepburn)

Hepburn’s coaching staff couldn’t be happier with a player of McKay’s talents who can win the game in the middle or forward of centre.

Tye Murphy (Gordon)

Murphy has been sensational in his return to the club this season having been named in the best seven times in nine games.

Andrew Pitson (Skipton)

After missing some games through injury earlier in the season, the co-coach has continued to deliver with 26 goals from nine games.

Jarrod Rodgers (Buninyong)

Rodgers has produced another consistent season for Buninyong, often winning the plaudits of his coach.

Jarrod Rodgers (right) has been a consistent performer for Buninyong. Picture: Yuri Kouzmin

Stephen Staunton (Springbank)

Staunton has been another Tigers’ recruit to star this season with a series of impressive displays.

Adam Toohey (Gordon)

The Eagles co-coach has been in terrific form all season with 32 goals from 11 games, being held goalless in just one of those.

Laityn Withers (Rokewood Corindhap)

Withers has been named in the best seven times this season, kicking 14 goals.

Weekend fixture

Qualifying final 1 – Gordon v Dunnstown at Learmonth on Saturday, 2.35pm.

Qualifying final 2 – Hepburn v Rokewood Corindhap at Buninyong on Sunday, 2.35pm.

Elimination final 1 – Buninyong v Skipton at Waubra on Sunday, 2.35pm.

Elimination final 2 – Springbank v Waubra at Marty Bush Reserve on Sunday, 2.35pm.