Maybe not, but look at Freo and WC. Been able to keep nearly everyone from another state, Ebert, Stevens and Judd being the only notable exceptions.
Also being offered $1m a season at 19 will have some success.
As Varcoe explained its a big call moving a young family interstate when you have options in Melbourne and no family ties / support in WA.
Moving from Melbourne to Queensland or NSW is much more attractive and you are only 1 hour away max by air and it's cheap. Players also know about that long haul flying after games doesn't help your recovery and shortens your career.
If WA was a non AFL state and needed developing the AFL would have given Freo and the Eagles the same leg up its provided to the Sydney sides.

