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 โ€˜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.

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Essendon

Zach Merrett

With the prevailing, external view being that the Bombers have imploded, expect to hear Zach Merrett's name continue to be mentioned this off season.

As it currently stands, the 25-year-old has played 142 games for the club, but should he Don the sash again in 2021 and in turn complete his contract, the former second round pick will become a restricted free agent.

Whether Essendon like it or not, they will be spending countless hours at the trade table already this year, as they negotiate the exits of Daniher, Fantasia and of course, Saad. They will quite rightfully be desperate to retain talent such as the two-time Crichton medal winner, but should the Country kid want out, Dodoro and co will be clocking many more overtime hours deliberating.

If Merrett is to see out his contract at Tullamarine, expect teams to line up around the block and pitch their wares once he officially becomes a free agent.

However, with an eye-catching skillset and a myriad of prime playing years ahead of him, clubs with cap space should be bound by restrictive jackets if they aren't contacting Merrett's management this season.

Merrett isn't the only Bomber boy currently on the precipice of free agency. After 13 and 14 years at Essendon respectively, club stalwarts David Zaharakis and Cale Hooker's statuses are set to tick over to unrestricted.

If the lay of the land is as grim as we on the outside have been led to believe, this pair's futures suddenly become a tad more ambiguous.

Patrick Ambrose will also become a restricted free agent, but expect him to sign on irrespective of external noise or exiting stars.

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