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.
Port Adelaide
Hamish Hartlett
Following a heart breaking Preliminary final loss last Friday, the trade period probably isn't at the forefront of Port's mind, as they're most likely still polishing off the final supply of West End cans.
However, when the list management team's collective hangovers subside, the club's current pair of pre agents will need some analysing.
Having played every game this season, Hamish Hartlett has completed a more than commendable year that has consolidated his position at Port.
The 30-year-old defender can expect to pole well in the minor premier's B&F count after averaging 14.9 disposals, 2.4 rebound fifties, 3.8 marks and 2.8 tackles per game across the regular season.
Having previously rebuffed moves to both Richmond and Essendon, the West Adelaide product spoke candidly just last week about his comfort in his decision to stay.
“It was always going to be hard to leave the club and my friends and family at home, so there was always some reluctance around, but I thought it might be a good way to refresh my career and become the footy player I really wanted to become, Hartlett told The Adelaide Advertiser.
“It will be far more fulfilling if I end up winning one here – I'll be absolutely ecstatic with the decision and there'll be no question marks.
As an older head at the club these days, having taken on a mentoring role for names like Connor Rozee, Zak Butters and Xavier Duursma, it appears the tattooed drummer's future lies at Alberton rather than elsewhere.
Hamish Hartlett brought a drum for the @PAFC song 🥁⚡️ pic.twitter.com/HP0ptaZKhi
— 7AFL (@7AFL) September 5, 2020
Superstar Robbie Gray will also follow Hartlett into unrestricted free agency next year. Still, like his long-term teammate, the lure of winning a flag and remaining a one club player will almost certainly prove impossible to turn down despite the inevitable attention from rival suitors.
