Manager defends Talia brothers against allegations

Player manager Liam Pickering claims Michael Talia has been hung out to dry as the AFL investigates a Western Bulldogs complaint.

Talia is out of contract at the Bulldogs and Pickering says he will not be there next season.

On Tuesday, it was revealed the Bulldogs had asked the AFL integrity unit to look into an allegation that game-sensitive information was leaked to Adelaide ahead of their elimination final.

The Crows won the match by seven points.

It quickly emerged that Michael and his older brother Daniel, who plays for Adelaide, were the subjects of the investigation.

Pickering manages the pair.

Michael was an elimination final emergency for the Bulldogs, while Daniel played in the game.

“The boys obviously can’t speak at the moment because there’s an AFL investigation, as much as they’d like to,” Pickering told the Nine Network’s The Footy Show.

“They’re extremely angry and hurt and upset by what’s gone on.

“Daniel obviously, he’s been cleared by his club – there’s no issues from that end.

“The one who’s been left hanging out to dry is Michael, which is really disappointing.”

Pickering claimed Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge was yet to speak to Michael about the issue.

“I’m really surprised and a little bit disappointed that he hasn’t heard from the coach still,” Pickering said.

“He’s left him a number of messages.”

Pickering also had no doubt about Talia’s fate at the Bulldogs.

“He’s not going to be there next year, as simple as that, which is really disappointing,” Pickering said.

“The last few days have played out really ordinary in the public.

“There’s been hysteria around it.

“You hear words like treason and treachery from journalists – it’s absolutely disgraceful.

“They’re brothers – they have discussions every second night.”