THE WESTERN Bulldogs say they are "troubled" by aspects of the AFL investigation that ultimately cleared former Bulldogs Michael Talia of leaking game-sensitive information to an opponent.
The League released a statement on Tuesday evening, clearing Michael Talia of wrongdoing in relation to allegations he leaked sensitive information to his brother, Adelaide defender Daniel, ahead of the two clubs' elimination final clash in September.
The Crows won the thrilling contest by seven points, ending the Bulldogs' rapid rise in coach Luke Beveridge's first season.
While the Talia brothers were cleared, Adelaide defender Kyle Cheney was formally warned for his 'joke' that sparked the investigation.
Cheney warned, Talia cleared by AFL investigation
The Bulldogs released their own statement on Wednesday after reviewing the League's findings.
"As a club we are troubled by certain aspects of the AFL investigation," the club said.
"However, our responsibility has been to ensure that our club complied with our fundamental values and obligations and we are satisfied that we have done so. We note the relevant finding of the AFL in relation to this point."
It is understood Cheney failed to clarify his position when he was questioned by Bulldogs officials before the League's investigation was launched.
According to the League's statement of findings, the Bulldogs spoke with Cheney "twice prior to reporting the matter to the AFL".
It was then the former Hawthorn and Melbourne player "appeared to confirm the allegation or at least, did not deny it".
Adelaide defender Kyle Cheney has been warned for his conduct in the incident. Picture: AFL Media
In the investigation, Cheney revealed the reason he failed to inform the Dogs his comments were "made in jest" was because he was "in shock" both times he spoke with Beveridge.
He was also "too embarrassed to explain what had occurred".
There is also believed to be unease over the investigation's confirmation there was a "phone conversation and several text messages" that passed between the Talia brothers in the week leading up to the elimination final between the Dogs and Crows.
The findings state that Michael Talia admitted the game was discussed, including aspects of the "likely match up" between his brother and Bulldogs' forward Jake Stringer.
However, there was no evidence of any of these text messages, with Michael losing his phone while on holiday in Bali and Daniel deleting them.
The investigation found "the evidence does not support a conclusion that the conversation and messages between the two brothers involved intentional or improper leaking of sensitive information that was expected or intended to give anyone an unfair advantage".
Michael Talia is now at the Sydney Swans, having been traded in October for the Swans' fourth-round selection in Tuesday's NAB AFL Draft.
