Why did lewis choose Melbourne when he could have choosen Richmond? He has wasted his final years...
Why did Tyson, hibberd, melksham, vince, garlett etc choose Melbourne when they did? Because they saw the youth Melbourne had and saw a future.
If you think carlton wont rise within the next 2 years you are well off.
First off Lewis had already won 4 premierships, while I'm sure he would love nothing more the tasting the ultimate success again I doubt chasing another premiership was his number one incentive when he was looking at a club. Melbourne offered him sercurity and he seen it as a chance to not only extend his career but to help pass on his knowledge to a young and talented squad looking to take the next step (similar to Hodge, Obviously lions needed that experience head to teach the kids and are along way behind Melbourne).
Also If say Melbourne n Richmond were both after Lewis n had the choice, looking at both lists and there 2016 seasons there was no way you would say Richmond were way ahead of Melbourne in the race for the premiership. You could even say Melbourne while younger looked more likely for a flag before tigers.
Tyson was traded in when he was at the similar age as the young talent on the list so, he would be hoping by the time he reaches his peak the rest of team will at the same time. Gaff is at his Peak years now, by the time Carlton are ready to seriously challenge Gaff will be 30+ n coming to the end of his career (having to carry such a young inexperienced team year after year before they come good will also shorten a footballers career
Melksham and Hibberd age profiles and skills fit exactly what Melbourne wanted and they probably offered better contracts then anyone else. Also Melbourne wen they joined is nothing compared to Carlton right now
Vince I believed should have chased a premiership but maybe melbournes offer was to good or other teams weren't interested the same could be said for Garlett
Carlton will get better but still won't be in fk sls contention, your coming from a long way back