Last week, Tippett informed Adelaide of his decision to leave, with the hope of joining premiers Sydney on a lucrative four-year deal in 2013.
The trade period was extended to nearly three weeks this year, starting on Monday, October 8 and running through until 2pm on Friday, October 26. The Free Agency period started a week earlier and closes on October 19.
Noble said a number of clubs were waiting until the compensation picks, which will be determined by the AFL based on a club’s net gain and losses throughout the Free Agency period, were allocated late-next week before getting too involved in trade discussions.
“It’s frustrating for everyone involved, us included. We’re very empathetic with our supporters and sponsors, but it’s just going to take a bit of time,” Noble told FIVEaa on Wednesday.
“We’re trying our best to work with Sydney to get the best-possible deal done, but the extended period of this trade means that things can go along and be delayed for up to three weeks.
“Unfortunately, there are a lot of clubs that are sitting and waiting to see how the (Free Agency) compensation picks look, which are going to be plugged into the system on about the 18th of October. That leaves you that last week to balance everything out.
“So, things might not be finalised until that last week.”
Speculation about potential trade targets and outcomes continues to grow, but Noble said it would be irresponsible for him to comment on ongoing discussions.
“I can’t comment on all that speculation because it just continues to grow untruths and we won’t disclose our strategy,” Noble said.
“Unfortunately, things are progressing slowly. We caught up with Sydney, but didn’t bother catching up today. It’s just going to take a little bit of time to get the details together from both parties.”
The Crows finalised the re-contracting of their senior-listed players on Wednesday, signing young defender Luke Thompson to a new deal. Mature-age rookie Ian Callinan has also been promoted to the senior list.
Noble said it was unlikely any contracted Crows would be included in the Tippett trade - or any other.
“There are conversations where contracted players are asked about … but I can’t see that happening,” he said.
“It would be really awkward and difficult for us to go down one path where we’re trying to retain and grow our list (and then trade a player out).”
Noble ruled out the possibility (or the threat) of the Crows, who have a pick before the Swans, re-drafting Tippett if a deal with Sydney couldn’t be reached, and the Queenslander was to enter the draft.
“Patrick Dangerfield, Rory Sloane, Ricky Henderson, David Mackay, Luke Thompson and all the other guys we’ve re-contracted this year, know that we’re on the cusp of something special,” Noble said.
“The group that’s staying want to stay and create something special. In Kurt’s case, we’ve got a person who wasn’t able to make a decision in the period of time we allocated - now he’s made his choice and we all accept that.
“This has bonded our players even closer in my opinion. I’ve had a lot of conversation with our players through the leadership group and the coach (to that effect).
“The manner in which Kurt has gone about his business is really disappointing. I think all our players have indicated that and, unfortunately, that’s not the person I’ve worked with for a long period of time.
“We’ve got a history of being able to work with a player’s choice of where they’d like to go. In this particular case, it’s caught quite a few people by surprise in the manner in which it’s unfolded.
“I can tell you we won’t be drafting Kurt back.”
