A small rover, Noonan played in Fitzroy's inaugural VFL season in 1897 and then their inaugural premiership side the following year. In 1901 he crossed to Carlton and spent two seasons with the Blues.
Following North Melbourne's entry to the VFL, Noonan was appointed coach in 1929, where North Melbourne finished last, with their only win coming against Footscray. Noonan remains the oldest first-time coach in VFL/AFL history.[2]