How Do Some Teams Rise In Performance So Quickly?

[gilly111]

I'd imagine as AFL is such a professional sport that one or two percent difference (e.g less injuries, or better preseasons for the boys, or a couple of extra talented kids pushing the older brigade) could make a huge difference in overall performance of teams. I'd imagine that probly 10 or so of the teams are almost identical skillwise and talent wise (to an extent) and these sort of factors would probably determine their position and how their seasons went. Along with the heart of the players and coaching.

 

[loyallion]

I was thinking about Hawthorns rapid rise from mediocrity to being a powerhouse of the competition and i was wondering about HOW teams go from being pathetic to only afew years later being strong teams.

eg

Bisbane Lions
1998 - 16th
1999 - 3rd

Sydney Swans
1994 - 16th
1995 - 12th
1996 - 1st

Collingwood
2000 - 15th
2001 - 9th
2002 - 4th

Port Adelaide
2000 - 14th
2001 - 3rd
2002 - 1st

So my question is HOW did these teams rise in performance so quickly?

To be fair, Brisbane were in the finals in 1995, 1996, and 1997 1998 was a dud year for us.