Crows acting General Manager Football Operations David Noble says the suspension of strategy and innovation coach Dean Bailey will further galvanise the Club approaching the start of the 2013 season.

On Tuesday, Bailey was suspended for 16 rounds as a result of the AFL investigation into Melbourne’s on-field performance in 2009.

The AFL cleared Bailey, the Demons senior coach at the time, of setting out to deliberately lose games in the ‘09’ season. However, the League found he had "acted in a manner which was prejudicial to the interests of the AFL “as a result of “pressure” generated from comments made by the-then Football Manager Chris Connolly relating to the Club securing a priority pick that year.

Noble said Adelaide was “extremely disappointed” in Bailey’s suspension, but said the Club would find a way to overcome this latest hurdle.

“There’s no doubt the game throws constant challenges at you. But it allows you to show the character you’ve got within your footy club and see the people that are able to embrace that challenge,” he said.

“We’re on the end of this one because of something that happened during Dean’s time at Melbourne, but we’ve just got to keep stepping up to the plate. We’ll make sure Dean and his family are looked after and that our football program isn’t compromised.

“Our players are in terrific condition to head into the season and it might just put a bit more sting in our tail.”

Bailey will not be permitted to have any match-day role, or any role working with players until after round 16, but he will continue to hold a full-time position at West Lakes.

Noble said Bailey would play a significant role at Adelaide during this period.

“We believe there will be a number of areas that Dean can add enormous experience to, whether it’s in list management, recruiting, opposition or even marketing and sales,” he said.

“The players will miss him like crazy, but we’re still able to make some use of his skill set.”

Noble ruled out bringing in another coach for the first 16 rounds.

“When the chips are down, our players and coaches are a group with strong character that are willing to cover when required. We think we’ve got some staff that will cover the areas no problem at all,” he said.

“We’ve spoken about some of the ‘what-if?’ scenarios and we’ll work with what we’ve got. There might be a different mix for game day. Dean probably came from a more strategic path, so maybe we’re able to use another of our members and give them some experience.

“Adversity creates opportunity …”

Noble empathised with supporters, angry that Adelaide will ultimately be punished for an infraction that occurred at another club.

“We understand where they are coming from,” Noble said.

“But the findings are what they are. We have to deal with them. We weren’t privy to a lot of the information that went into the findings … so unless you’re really involved it’s probably hard to make an assertion on whether we think it’s harsh or fair. The more you try to look into the more complicated and confused you can be.

“What we want more than ever is for our fans to support our footy club. Get behind our guys, talk to people about getting a membership… I reckon it’s a real call to arms for our guys. When you have a sense that one of your own is under siege, or is in danger you close ranks and support them – and you support them to the hilt.

“That’s what I would like to see our members and supporters do.”

Noble praised Bailey for his handling of the investigation, which dragged on more than seven months.

“I’ve been in constant contact with Dean over the past few weeks as this has all come to a head. He’s keeping his head up,” Noble said.

“His main focus was to protect us as a footy club – that’s what he was most concerned about.”