I feel like the 'size' of the club being a factor in FA is often overrated by fans.
If we're talking about the absolute stars of the comp, clearly opportunity is not a factor.
To me it comes down to location, money and opportunity to win.
North has been a middling team for the best part of two decades. If the club can get a good group of kids together and show scope to win, I think they can buck this trend.
Contrary to popular opinon, I actually think the Dusty/Gaff/Kelly situations prove this to some degree, certainly in Dusty's situation he has publicly stated he was close to coming to North, despite the club finishing 15th that season.
He was close to joining North because of how much more they were offering than Richmond - It seems Adelaide made the same offer as North
Martin's manager told him to stay with Richmond because despite a smaller salary, he'll make more in the long run - this was before any flags
It's cool that Dusty will be one club player, but the big clubs have such a structural advantage over small Melbourne and Non-Vic clubs