Former Western Bulldogs defender Michael Talia is a relieved man after the AFL cleared him of leaking sensitive information from the club, but says he always knew he had not done anything wrong.
Talia left the Bulldogs for Sydney following the club's elimination-final loss to Adelaide in September, and the Footscray-based side asked the AFL to investigate allegations that Talia leaked information to his brother Daniel, who plays for the Crows.
The league's integrity unit cleared Talia of any wrongdoing on Wednesday, following a lengthy investigation.
"I was always confident I hadn't done anything wrong," Talia told News Corp Australia.
"I've adamantly denied any wrongdoing the whole time.
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"The investigation came to that conclusion as well. It's a massive relief it's over and now I can look forward to pre-season training."
Revelations of the leak came about after Adelaide defender Kyle Cheney made a numerous remarks suggesting sensitive information had been shared between the brothers.
Cheney has been issued an official warning from the AFL for the comments, however Talia also spoke in support of the 26-year-old.
"I've spoken to Daniel about Kyle and he told me he's a really good kid," Michael Talia said.
