Michael Talia will play for the Sydney Swans next year after the Western Bulldogs gave up the young defender and pick No.69 for the Swans’ fourth-round selection in next year’s NAB AFL Draft.
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.
Swans general manager of football Tom Harley said he didn't know when the investigation would be completed but was satisfied with the situation.
"You obviously do your due diligence. We’re really comfortable that we’re bringing a good young man into the footy club," Harley said.
"You ask all the questions, you talk to the player, you talk to the manager and you talk to the AFL."
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.
Harley said he 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.