Hawthorn stumbled into a golden generation of talent, stuck with a guy who became a great coach, and rode their success into a new era of player empowerment. Since 2015 they have won the same number of finals as Freo, and are looking down the barrel of a decade of medocrity.
Two years ago Lynch signs with Hawthorn. Now it's Richmond. Their fitness coach, beloved at the club, will go to Calrton because there is nothing in it for him to stick around.
Geelong has won two finals since 2011.
I don't doubt they are well run operations, but I think people overrate how clever they are.