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.
Sydney
Luke Parker
While the Swans rarely lose their stars, especially a captain of the club, Luke Parker enters restricted free agency in 2021 as one of the more intriguing names.
Entering his 11th season at the Swans, the gun midfielder has been a warrior for John Longmire's team over the past decade.
Could the pull to return to Victoria finally weigh on him? And potentially join a team closer to a premiership?
Parker has played 212 games for Sydney - with a premiership, two best and fairests and an All Australian jumper to his name.
Sam Reid (unrestricted) rounds out the Sydneysider's 2020 pre agency class, but you'll be offered long odds to see them call elsewhere home.
