AFL strugglers Brisbane haven’t had any discussions around trading out stars Pearce Hanley and Tom Rockliff, chief executive Greg Swann says.

The Lions boss says the club won’t consider any trades until sacked head coach Justin Leppitsch is replaced.

The midfield duo are reportedly contemplating exits, with Hanley linked to the Gold Coast and Rockliff believed to be on Adelaide’s radar, but Swann has dismissed the rumours.

“We certainly haven’t put any players up for trade,” Swann told SEN radio on Friday.

“We’re not in a position to do it until we’ve got our footy manager and coach appointed.”

The hunt for a new coach will begin in earnest following David Noble’s appointment to head the football department on Thursday, with the former Crows administrator joining a five-person selection panel.

Interviews will begin for the position next week, Swann said, with Hawthorn’s Chris Fagan and Carlton assistant John Barker the frontrunners.

Noble’s role in helping appoint Brenton Sanderson, the late Phil Walsh and Don Pyke as Adelaide coaches makes him “probably the most experience coach searcher in the comp”, Swann said.

Noble himself is urging against the club rushing a decision.

He said time would be taken to determine if the Lions’ young list requires a “commander” or “educator”, but indicated they would look for a mentor with a high degree of “technical acumen”.

“The coaching profile, going back 10 years ago, it was more of the favourite son-type” Noble told SEN on Thursday.

“Now it has shifted a bit.”