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.
Gold Coast
Sean Lemmens
For a club with just a decade of big league experience, as well as one that only recently removed the revolving door on their changerooms, it should surprise nobody that the Suns are light on pre agents.
However, of the pair of Suns that befit this categories restrictions, their futures seem completely contrasted.
After just over a handful of games this season, the sun appears to be setting on Sean Lemmens' time on the Gold Coast.
With just six games to his name, Lemmens' numbers across the board naturally regressed in 2020.
Having been dropped twice by head coach Stuart Dew, the previously rich lagoons for potential success seem to have dried up for the 25-year-old small forward.
With one year remaining on his contract, Lemmens will become a restricted free agent at the completion of next season. However, the potential for a shift this off-season could well come to fruition.
Hailing from Adelaide originally, a return to help bolster the Crows stock may be on the cards. So too may a speculative move to Arden Street in an effort to perform the same role in the forward half.
Sean Lemmens with a beauty!#AFLSunsSaints pic.twitter.com/782mZYu9PO
— AFL (@AFL) August 6, 2020
The price tag on Lemmens' head will not be an expensive one, but either this season or next, don't be surprised to see another team take a chance on him in an effort to see if there's any juice left within his rind.
Should the status quo remain, and a new contract not arise, Sam Day will be an unrestricted free agent this time next year.
Nevertheless, expect Dew and the Suns' brass to keep him on the coast to provide not only Ben King with a big bodied ally in the forward arc, but to also help the gradual maturation of other tall forwards, such as Peter Wright.
