Neale side made a GF, Wines and Neale top 4 side before that, Martin 2017 premiers, Swan in a year they were all but undefeated. Sam Mitchell in a Hawks side that went onto win 3 in a row. Priddis and Fyfe in sides that played GFs in years around their wins. Cooney in a side that made prelims. Goodes, Judd, Cousins Buckley in sides 2003-2006 that were the best sides. Black and Akermanis in a 3x premiership side. The star players in star teams win them and thats why Cripps is on track for a 2nd.
Ablett and Bartel won in premiership years. Dangerfield won one first go at Geelong.
The fact Selwood couldn't just shows right place right time for his flags and captaincy success.
Er, or shows he played in sides that included Ablett and Bartel among other great midfielders.
Carlton's lack of premierships recently sure does make their supporters stretch for relevancy