I think Geelong just made their list a fair bit younger and have now replaced a lot of the older guys. They have done well by good luck. They had help that Dangerfield and Henderson wanted to come home, Selwood's brother was captain and that Gold Coast were happy to sell cheap. Its a difficult thing to replicate. Perhaps Geelong above them for the next 3-4 years while the current recruits are still going and then the Saints above Geelong for next 4-5 years. Geelong put themselves back in the finals for the next 3-4 years while the Saints are rising and will be a good side. So yes the Saints will be above Geelong for most of the next 8-10 years.
Fair assessment
I think people would be surprised at how close Hawthorn are to sustaining more success for another 3-5 years. If they got Carlisle the only pieces to fill are the midfield pieces which whilst huge pieces to fill, as Geelong have just done with Dangerfield they can be addressed quickly.
Except for Hodge/Burgoyne/Mitchell/Gibson (Carlisle would be perfect to fill this piece) the core of Hawthorns team is still primed for a few years yet.
Take Hodge/Burgoyne/Mitchell/Gibson out and the Hawks have some money to spend as well.
Carlisle would be very nice for the Hawks.