Let see for starters Collingwood has been rebuilding since 2012, so have taken 6 years, Carlton have been rebuilding since about 1996 I reckon so that’s about 22 years and umpteen coaches. The Western Bulldogs aren’t officially in a rebuild, they have massive injury issues according to the media, and those injured stars are starting to retire like blowflies. GCS aren’t supposed to be in rebuild mode either with two thirds of the team first and second round draft picks but seemly years away from a top eight spot.
Melbourne have been on rebuild mode since about 2006 so that’s 12 years and numerous first round picks and a lot of bad management. Richmond were rebuilding since 2002 and took 12 years to get back in the 8. It took them 5 years from that point to win the flag. St Kilda have not been in the 8 since Ross left and won’t be for a while yet. Since 2005 the Lions have only been in the 8 once in 2009. Melbourne have been rebuilding since 2007, 12 years again.
What this is stating is rebuilds are generally long arduous roads and hawthorn, Geelong and Sydney are the only teams that have been able to maintain long term top eight positions, which benefit the AFL.