I can't see how WC don't get compo given what Norf have received over past two years.
Yes, WC won a flag in 2018 and have mismanaged their list since. Norf played prelims in 2014/15, finals again 2016, competitive through to 2019 before falling completely away 2020-23. And likewise, Norf were largely architects of their own fall.
WC were competitive through to 2021, so their fall is effectively two years behind NM. Norf received assistance after their 3rd poor year, and again after their 4th. 2024 is shaping to be WC's third poor year, so you'd think they'll receive something similar to what Norf did at the end of 2022. And if they're poor again next year, something similar to the assistance Norf got last year.
NM (wins per season, starting 2019): 10, 3, 4, 2, 3, ?
WC (wins per season, starting 2021): 10, 2, 3, ?
For comparison:
Carlton (wins per season, 2014-21): 7.5, 4, 7, 6, 2, 7, 7, 8 (48.5 ~6/yr)
Gold Coast (wins per season, 2014-21): 10, 4.5, 6, 6, 4, 3, 5.5, 7 (46)
Gold Coast received the same very limited package as us in 2018, but the following year (2019 - 3 wins) were given significantly more, with a package delivering extra picks for 2019, 2020 and 2021. It was this assistance package the North relied on as precedent.
Should also be remembered that 2019 saw us finish the year with a few late wins after a change of coach, otherwise, perhaps may have finished lower than Gold Coast again. We went for a period of 2 years from mid-2017 to mid-2019 with just 2 wins.
Looking back further than this is irrelevant, given the changes to the system in 2012 (prior to this it was a set formula).
Gold Coast would have received first round priority picks in 2018, but the AFL didn’t want to give us any - which is why the AFL came up with that access to 2 State League player boloney for both of us.