That may be true on a superficial level. For instance, the 7-11 team had say Ottens, Harley, Mooney (trade), Egan (Banker), FA wasn't applicable, and I don't recall a Black hail mary trade equivalent in those sides either. But a deeper analysis suggests otherwise. The notable difference is the backbone of those premiership teams was built on the draft. Even the trades, particularly in Mooney and Harley case, were effectively like draftees given their ages. Ottens was the closest thing to a "trade", and he was what, 24 maybe, when he came.
07 premiership team. 19 of the 22 came from draft (86%). Reflective of a CLEAR list management approach, and thats discounting 3 very clear, targeted youthful "trades".
17 Prelim team. 14 of 22 came from draft (63%). However, this figure includes draftees drafted before even first '07 Flag in Mackie, Lonergan, Selwood, Hawkins, Taylor so skews the draft figure. 2 mid-aged State Leaguers in Menegola, Stewart. 1 FA in Selwood. 5 trades in Danger, Hendo, Stanley, Tuohy, Smith (23%). The really "relevant' draftees in this team are Motlop, Menzel, Duncan, Kola, Bews, Blicavs, Lang, Parfitt, Cocky (40%). So really, a very different mix and approach to what delivered success last time for us.