History says in order to do this you need to spend the most on the actual footy department, which we have never done.
Sorry but that is incorrect and this "history" is distorted by the simple fact Hawthorn has won the last 3 flags and in the top 4 in spend.
Histroy and current data clearly show that 2 of the top four spenders have failed to play finals the last 2 season. With the biggest spender finishing 12 th this season. Put whatever spin you want on Collongwood but the fact is they despite spending the most have not played finals, they have gone backwards results wise
Outside of Hawthorn winning flags The Swans & Geelong are premiership winners and neither of them were in the top four of footy dept spend. So I would argue the amount you spend isn't the main contributor, the what and or the how your invest it is the key.
Look at the Bulldogs this year they'd be in the bottom 5 in spend but check out their results this year. their program appears to be good one, they look as if they are building towards something and they are not bigger spenders. So perhaps it's more about quality of the program rather than the quantity of dollars spent