Voted on by their peers, Andrew Swallow, Scott Thompson and Lindsay Thomas will all be in the mix.
Nominated for the 'most courageous award', Jack Ziebell will surely be right up near the top after his efforts in 2013.
Now in its 31st year, the award is more important than ever, according to AFLPA CEO Matt Finnis.
"Amongst all of the various awards and accolades provided to players at this time of year; it's really important the players themselves have a voice.
"In any industry, you want the respect of your peers. AFL footballers are no different, and the Leigh Matthews Trophy is a great way players can recognise the efforts of those outside their own club."
Players' Association President Luke Ball said that while the award continues to grow in stature publicly, it has always been considered one of the highest honours by the stars themselves.
"As a player you strive for the respect of your peers, and unlike other awards the MVP is determined by the men who take to the field alongside you each week," he said.
"Players get to see what occurs behind the scenes. From long nights on the track, to game day and the strategic work put into stopping an opposition player, so we are very well positioned to judge the most valuable player in the league.
"The names that feature on the Leigh Matthews' Trophy represent the very elite of the past 30 years, so to have your name etched alongside players you have grown up idolising would be an incredible honour for any player."
The voting process begins with each player voting for the three team-mates. Each club's votes are then tallied to form a nomination list comprising 54 players across the 18 teams.
Then, in the second round of voting, all AFL players vote for their MVP on a 3, 2, 1 basis on opponents from other clubs.
North Melbourne nominees
MVP - Leigh Matthews Trophy
North Melbourne - Andrew Swallow
North Melbourne - Lindsay Thomas
North Melbourne - Scott Thompson
Most Courageous Award
North Melbourne - Jack Ziebell
Best First Year Player
North Melbourne - Taylor Garner
Best Captain
North Melbourne - Andrew Swallow
