Michael Talia

Michael Talia (born 11 February 1993) is a professional Australian rules footballer playing for the Sydney Swans in the Australian Football League (AFL). He is the brother of Daniel Talia who plays for the Adelaide Football Club, and is the grandson of Harvey Stevens, a former Footscray player leading the club to their fist premiership in 1954. His great-grandfather, Arthur Stevens, also played for Footscray.

Talia was recruited by the Western Buldogs in the 2011 national draft with pick 39 and made his debut in round 19, 2012, against North Melbourne at Etihad Stadium. He earned the round 15 nomination for the 2013 AFL Rising Star after a 32-possession game against Greater Western Sydney.

In October 2015, he was traded to Sydney. In round 1, his first game for the Swans, he suffered a Lisfranc ligament injury in the last quarter against Collingwood, ruling him out for the next eight to twelve weeks. Dane Swan also suffered the same injury, as well as multiple fractures in his foot and lower leg. Complications with the injury saw him placed on the long term injury list.

In July 2016, Talia was arrested and charged with possession of cocaine and he later pleaded guilty to the charges and was placed on a twelve month good behaviour bond.