The Judd trade netted WC Kennedy, Masten and Notte. That's hardly mortgaging the farm, with Kennedy being the only one who hurts (see Fev discussion). Carlton were and have been rubbish for the past 20 years, bar a couple of Judd years. Even if they didn't do the deal, history shows that they would have cocked up their rebuild as they always do.
We aren't anywhere near the diabolical situation Carlton were in at the time. It's all opinion but I think we are closer to Geelong the year before they got Dangerfield.
Your right in comparing ourselves to Geelong and not the scum. Their club seems to be doing the right thing most of the time. No more key recruits until we have a key game plan and defense.