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.
Melbourne
Christian Salem
Having used a top ten draft pick to select him in 2013, it was clear from the outset that the Demons list management team had high hopes for Christian Salem.
Now seven years down the track, Salem's star has steadily risen, having forged a career narrowly south of 100 games.
This season, the half back flanker averaged just shy of 19 disposals and four rebound fifties per game.
Christian Salem is the best kick in the team. He needs to be the one sending it inside 50. #afldeesfreo
— Gemma 🔻 (@glbastiani) June 22, 2019
Although not one of Melbourne's most adulated youngsters, Salem's poise and precision from the defensive arc has provided the platform for many of the Demon's forays forward. It is for this very reason that the Sandringham Dragons prospect finished seventh in the club's best and fairest count.
All of this was achieved whilst forming relationships with two new wingers (Ed Langdon and Adam Tomlinson), as well as only being afforded the familiar surrounds of the MCG twice.
Expect the Demons to double down on the former first rounder and provide a fair deal when his management come knocking.
Melbourne's other pre agent pair come in the form of their skipper Max Gawn and veteran defender Neville Jetta.
Gawn won't be going anywhere, but with rumours around an offer from the Magpies for Jetta's services, the latter's future in red and blue is decidedly less concrete.
