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 โpre-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.
Collingwood
Steele Sidebottom
Following a 10-goal, best on ground performance for the Murray Bushrangers in the 2008 TAC Cup Grand Final, the Collingwood football club selected Steele Sidebottom with the 11th pick in the draft.
12 years later and โRusty' is still adored by the Magpie masses.
Over this stretch in black and white stripes, Sidebottom has won a flag, two Copeland trophies and was named an All-Australian in 2018.
Although entering unrestricted free agency come the completion of next year, it would be a safe bet to wager on Sidebottom staying at Collingwood.
However, after 243 games at the club and already aged 29, should an offer be tabled for the midfielder, he could do worse than explore it.
With the Magpies' salary cap currently as tight as a drumhead, they will be looking for relief in via any possible avenue.
Clubs searching for a ball winner that is not averse to kicking goals will be enquiring about the Congupna product's services either this year or next.
Collingwood's other pre agents include Josh Thomas (unrestricted), the injury riddled Tom Langdon (restricted) and their skipper Scott Pendlebury (unrestricted).
