The Western Bulldogs have accepted the findings of the AFL investigation into alleged leaking of game information between the Talia brothers before the 2015 elimination final – and moved on.
The AFL club issued a statement on Monday in response to a report in the Herald Sun that they were furious about the league’s handling of the probe and its exoneration of the brothers, Daniel and Michael.
It was alleged that then Western Bulldogs defender Michael leaked specific game information to his brother Daniel at Adelaide before the Crows defeated the Dogs in the elimination final at the MCG.
The newspaper said that the Bulldogs had contacted the AFL, questioning the finding as they had “independent corroboration” of the allegations.
The Talias, who have always maintained their innocence, were cleared by the AFL last November after a 63-day integrity unit investigation.
“The AFL investigated this matter 12 months ago, and the Western Bulldogs have accepted and abided by the outcomes of that investigation, and have moved on,” the Western Bulldogs said in a statement.
“The Western Bulldogs also believe the other parties who have been considered to have been exonerated by the investigation are entitled to the benefit of that finding.”
The 2016 AFL champions condemned the media report, claiming it had presented one side of the investigation, and would seek legal advice about the use of the documents.
“The publishing of our submissions and not those which answered them to the AFL is one-sided and unfair to a number of people named in them, and ultimately also to us and our club,” the club said in the statement.
“The Western Bulldogs believe that the leaking of these confidential documents represents a misappropriation and misuse of club property, and we will seek further legal advice as the use of the documents.”
Gecko
Guest
Indeed Dougie, it 'doesn’t help the perception of innocence' but it does stoke the imagination. What could Michael Talia have possibly said that gave the Crows such a big advantage and made the Bulldogs' management so mad? And if it was just by text, it couldn't have been very detailed. Would you sack a player (especially if you've got a short defence) just for saying 'X is out, Y is in'? A flag in 2016 says the Bulldogs made the correct call but we don't really know.
I hate pies
Guest
Why can we not discuss this subject? This is the only website I've found with comments open on this topic, and mine keep getting rejected.
Pumping Dougie
Roar Guru
"The Talia brothers maintained their innocence." And yet within 24 hours of learning there was an investigation into their behaviour, one brother "lost his phone in Bali" and the other brother (same day) "deleted all his text history". There's only one logical reason for that to occur (unless we're to be hoodwinked by the Naiivety Fairy and believe this was just coincidence). Destruction of evidence may help you be found not guilty, but it doesn't help the perception of innocence. An innocent person would hand over their text records with a smirk and say, give it your best.
I hate pies
Guest
Very disappointed to see my comment moderated out. This incident stinks and, as an independent organisation, I expected more from The Roar. Or have the AFL's tentacles reached out to here as well?