MICHAEL Talia have been cleared of sharing game-sensitive information with his brother Daniel ahead of the second elimination final between Adelaide and the Western Bulldogs.

But in its findings released on Wednesday, the AFL has issued a formal warning to Crow Kyle Cheney for his conduct in the incident.

Michael Talia – a former Bulldog who switched to the Sydney Swans during the off-season - was at the centre of the investigation after the Bulldogs reported the incident.

It was alleged he provided game-sensitive information to Daniel, the Crows' fullback, prior to the final.

The brothers confirmed there was a phone conversation and several text messages in the lead-up to their match, including Daniel's likely matchup on Bulldog Jake Stringer.

The potential problems really came to light though based on on-field statements made by Cheney against his former club Hawthorn in the following week's preliminary final, inferring the Crows had received some inside help the week before.

That got back to the Bulldogs and they reported the incident.

In his statement to the AFL, Cheney said his comments of receiving game-sensitive information from Michael Talia were made "in jest as part of friendly banter" with a mate.

The AFL said Cheney should have clarified this with the Bulldogs sooner.

"The AFL is satisfied that the evidence does not support any finding that the rules have been contravened," AFL general counsel Andrew Dillon said.

After interviewing a further 16 people, the AFL found no intention between the brothers to leak sensitive information, but have formally warned Cheney.

Michael Talia told the Swans website he was pleased with the outcome.
 
"While disappointed to have my name associated with these allegations, I am pleased the AFL investigation has cleared me of any wrongdoing,” he said.
 
"I am looking forward to putting the issue behind me and concentrating on my first pre-season with the Swans."
 
Adelaide said it was also satisfied with the outcomes that "emphatically clear defender Daniel Talia and the club of any wrongdoing."
 
"Kyle Cheney is regretful that banter among friends escalated into a situation which the AFL deemed worthy of an investigation," the Crows' statement said.