The gradual freeing up of player movement in the AFL will take another step forward at the end of next season when any player who has qualified as a free agent will become a free agent when they next come out of contract.

The biggest effect of the change will be for delisted players who spend a season or more out of the system as clubs will be able to recruit them as delisted free agents rather than them having to go through the national draft.

However the AFL confirmed the change will also mean that players on club lists who have been recruited to a new club as a free agent will once again be a free agent when they next come out of contract.

This interpretations means for example players such as Sydney recruit Dan Menzel will qualify as a free agent again next year despite switching clubs and Fremantle's Reece Conca will be a free agent when his three-year deal expires after switching from Richmond at the end of this season.