The Western Bulldogs have accepted the findings of the AFL investigation into alleged leaking of game information between the Talia brothers before the 2015 elimination final – and moved on.

The AFL club issued a statement on Monday in response to a report in the Herald Sun that they were furious about the league’s handling of the probe and its exoneration of the brothers, Daniel and Michael.

It was alleged that then Western Bulldogs defender Michael leaked specific game information to his brother Daniel at Adelaide before the Crows defeated the Dogs in the elimination final at the MCG.

The newspaper said that the Bulldogs had contacted the AFL, questioning the finding as they had “independent corroboration” of the allegations.

The Talias, who have always maintained their innocence, were cleared by the AFL last November after a 63-day integrity unit investigation.

“The AFL investigated this matter 12 months ago, and the Western Bulldogs have accepted and abided by the outcomes of that investigation, and have moved on,” the Western Bulldogs said in a statement.

“The Western Bulldogs also believe the other parties who have been considered to have been exonerated by the investigation are entitled to the benefit of that finding.”

The 2016 AFL champions condemned the media report, claiming it had presented one side of the investigation, and would seek legal advice about the use of the documents.

“The publishing of our submissions and not those which answered them to the AFL is one-sided and unfair to a number of people named in them, and ultimately also to us and our club,” the club said in the statement.

“The Western Bulldogs believe that the leaking of these confidential documents represents a misappropriation and misuse of club property, and we will seek further legal advice as the use of the documents.”