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MICHAEL Talia is expected to be cleared of leaking game-sensitive information to Adelaide ahead of the Western Bulldogs’ elimination final against the Crows, says his manager Liam Pickering.
The 22-year-old has been under investigation for leaking game-sensitive information to his brother Daniel ahead of the Bulldogs’ elimination final against Adelaide, the team Daniel plays with.
Talia was traded to the Sydney Swans on Thursday, along with pick No. 69, for the Swans’ fourth-round selection in next year’s NAB AFL Draft.
Pickering told SEN a verdict is expected soon.
“I believe it (the investigation) is being concluded. I spoke to one of the guys today at the AFL and I think they’re writing up their report at the moment,” he said.
“I’d say there’s a decision coming on that, which I fully expect to be positive for the boy, either the end of this week … or early next week.
“It’s been a really unwanted distraction. It’s been extremely unfair on Michael and his family, who have gone through this whole period. Luckily we were able to do a deal today with Sydney.”
Talia played 14 games last season before being left out of the round 22 clash with North Melbourne after suffering an ankle injury. He didn’t regain his spot for the rest of the season.
Swans football manager Tom Harley said he was unsure when the investigation would end but was happy with the improved draft position the Swans now had.
"We’ve got a net gain of 235 points," he said.
The Swans increased the cumulative value of their draft picks, which will help them draft their academy prospects.
The club is in line to draft Callum Mills, who looms as one of the best players in this year's draft pool.
