Although the logic was not immediately clear, the findings were understandable based on evidence, legal discussions and possible ramifications of a different outcome.
One man - Adrian Anderson - had instigated the investigation and another man - Gillon McLachlan - had finished it.
No-one was prepared to define the "t" word that dominated reporting of that season, but the investigation found no proof that anyone had taken the field with the intent to lose any match.
It also found that no-one on the Melbourne board or executive management team directed anyone to lose matches.
There was enough proof, however, that former Melbourne football manager Chris Connolly had made comments in a football department meeting about the desire to secure a priority pick that had enough sting in the tail that the senior coach at the time Dean Bailey, and others present, interpreted his words as a direction.
Some say football departments have conversations all the time that could be reinterpreted if placed in a different context.
Others contend that coaches come under pressure regularly and part of their skill set is to resist it.
In Melbourne's case a dysfunctional football department in 2009 created an environment in which key people were not sure where others were coming from.
For that, both Connolly and Bailey paid a heavy price.
If there is another judgment that can be made in hindsight, it's that the priority pick rule in place in 2009 was too generous.
It should have been changed as soon as it was seen to be creating problems. That it wasn't led to an environment of inference, innuendo and way too much intrigue.
It was eventually changed in 2012.
Acting AFL football operations manager McLachlan as much as admitted that old rule was a contextual element in the decision.
The overall lesson: quick, decisive action in relation to rules or investigations is now essential.
A beefed up integrity department that focuses more on the here and now than the distant past when it comes to investigations will help in that regard.
The $500,000 fine is perplexing to many given Melbourne was found not guilty, but the third biggest fine in AFL history serves as a reminder that good governance is a better defence than ignorance.
The verdict is in. A club that has to account for every dollar can begin to forge ahead with clear air.
No supporter will go to the football wondering whether they want their team to win or lose.
And 2009 can be put into the past for many people who have thought about it too much in the present recently.
