MELBOURNE has described as "an innocent mistake" a comment from AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou suggesting the club had failed to respond to tanking allegations by Tuesday's deadline.

"To the best of my knowledge they had until up close of business yesterday to respond to the report, and as far as I'm aware they didn't respond yesterday," Demetriou told radio 3AW Wednesday morning.  

"I think it's disappointing, but I'll get a briefing from Gillon McLachlan today."

Demetriou's comments completely contradicted a message to members from Melbourne president Don McLardy Tuesday night, saying the club had responded.

Later Wednesday morning an AFL spokesman confirmed Melbourne's response was received by the League on Tuesday night.

"Andrew Demetriou was unaware at the time he did a pre-recorded interview early this morning with 3AW," the spokesman explained.  

McLardy's letter to members included just two sentences on the status of the tanking investigation.

Demons will fight tanking charges: Craig

"Our club has today – in accordance with the agreed timeframe - provided its response to the AFL investigation," McLardy said.

"I intend keeping all our members and supporters regularly updated regarding this matter."

The Demons, chief executive Cameron Schwab, former football manager Chris Connolly and former coach Dean Bailey had until close of business Tuesday to respond to an 800-page report compiled by AFL investigators.

Spotlight on Connolly at 'tank' verdict looms

It's expected the AFL will now consider those responses before deciding whether to lay formal charges and in turn instigate the process for a potential commission hearing.