A decade ago, the AFL followed the lead of the American sporting codes by introducing a free agency program.

The policy has led to the biggest shift in the employee/employer relations since the induction of the eight-hour working day and the biggest in the code since the short-lived ten-year rule of the Seventies.

The past shackles of clearances, poor salaries and a powerless playing class were cast off, with million dollar deals over multiple years becoming the new norm.

No sooner had this new age been established did the term ‘pre-agency' become a side-effect and a part of the footballing vernacular.

The tag of pre-agent relates to those that are still on contract with their current clubs, but come the agreements conclusion, they will have served a tenure long enough to be granted either restricted or unrestricted free agency status.

Recently, clubs have begun shopping these players prior to their contracts completion in an effort to avoid leaving future negotiations empty handed. Players have also been known to openly flirt with other teams as a means of securing an extension from their current cheque cutters.

With the conclusion of the 2020 season imminent and the trade period around the following corner, we've compiled a list of the players that will enter free agency this time next year.

Below are all 18 club's most interesting 'pre-agent', with some added speculation about what their futures may hold.

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Hawthorn

Tim O'Brien

It wouldn't take a reincarnated Nostradamus to tell you that the Hawks have well and truly shifted their gaze from the present to the future.

With the vast majority of Hawthorn's experienced players having departed the club over the past handful of years, retaining players that will provide in ensuing seasons will be at the forefront of both Alistair Clarkson and Graham Wright's minds.

Despite attracting some derision in his time at Waverley Park, Tim O'Brien more than fits this mould.

Although the red head has yet to fully hit his straps as tall forward, the club will no doubt see him as the third pillar of their forward line alongside Jack Gunston and fellow youngster Mitchell Lewis.

The decision to have O'Brien and Lewis fill the vacant jumpers and lockers of Lance Franklin and Jarryd Roughead acts as a tangible show in faith for the pair.

It is for this reason that we are unlikely to find the South Australian clad in foreign colours any time soon, irrespective of his impending restricted free agency position.

Luke Breust will become an unrestricted free agent next season, so there is the potential to see him shopped in the coming months.

Pundits such as SEN's Garry Lyon have suggested that this may come to pass.

"You'll get something for Luke Breust, a substantial return on investment.

"I'm a big fan but I just think someone would like Luke Breust in their team and they'd pay overs for him."

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