AFLPA release statement on Talia brothers

The AFL Players' Association has released a statement regarding the investigation into the leaking of sensitive information to the Adelaide Crows about the Western Bulldogs game plan.

The two clubs faced off in week one of the finals, with the Crows winning by seven points. However, the Bulldogs yesterday confirmed that they had asked the AFL integrity unit to investigate how sensitive information regarding their game plan was leaked to the Crows.

Bulldog Michael Talia is at the centre of the investigation, with the defender being forced to answer to the club for information he is accused of sharing with brother Daniel, who plays for Adelaide.

The brothers have denied any wrong doing, with the AFL Players' Association releasing the following statement a short time ago:

"We are aware of the alleged sharing of sensitive club information and have spoken to all parties, including officials and players at the two clubs.

The players involved have informed us that they categorically deny the sharing of any sensitive club information.

From the perspective of the players, this is nothing more than two brothers having a general conversation about football as they do every other week.

We believe we have done our due diligence on the issue and respect the right of the Western Bulldogs to investigate the matter and understand that as part of this process, they have felt it important to inform the AFL."

The Bulldogs released the following statement on Tuesday night:

"The Western Bulldogs became aware on Monday 14 September of allegations of the inappropriate transmission of game-sensitive information from the Western Bulldogs to the Adelaide Crows prior to the final on 12 September."

"The Club conducted such interviews and enquiries as we considered appropriate last week and as a result of those enquiries, the Club has today referred the matter to the AFL for consideration by its integrity unit."

"While we do not believe this matter had a material bearing on the game or the result, we believe it is appropriate to report these matters relating to integrity to the AFL for investigation."

"The Club does not consider it appropriate to make any further comment at this time."