Seems we have had two clear options since our "era" has come to a close :
> retire the champs progressively , probably slip down the ladder as we top the list up with the resultant lower draft picks - major rebuild strategy
> retire the champs progressively , fill the gaps by trading on a needs basis by using picks and making the most of resultant higher draft picks - major top up strategy
> ensure we are financially strong in order to facilitate the stadium rebuild and secure our future as having our own home ground
There is lots of available evidence so I'll choose a few examples :
> Hawks won their flags with the top up model and whilst they missed finals this year seem well placed to contend again in 2018 with further use of the top up model plus development of players most of whom were higher type picks
> Dees ,Saints and Blues have gone the rebuild and none are playing finals , long journey so far and no guarantees of this happening in 2018
> Giants are stack full of sub 10 picks but still have the job ahead of them
> Cats have grown Membership and are well placed financially
I think the Club has chosen the right strategy for both on and off field reasons