Following the alleged incident of sexual assault, Sydney Swans’ sponsors have taken a stance with two major brands suspending contracts with certain players.
The first two sponsors that have openly paused relationships with the Sydney Swans is toothpaste manufacturer Colgate-Palmolive and major telco Telstra.
Telstra said they are deeply concerned with “what’s been reported”, and have subsequently suspended its partnership with brand ambassador Isaac Heeney.
“We respect the matter is currently being investigated by Police. Players assisting Police with their investigation who are also Telstra Ambassadors are not participating in any ambassador activity while the investigation is ongoing. We will review their ambassador arrangements once the investigation is complete and will provide an update at that time,” a Telstra spokesperson told B&T.
Colgate revealed to Nine.com.au that it has also dropped its commercial partnership with Heeney.
“We are aware of the reports regarding an investigation by Victoria Police in East Melbourne. We take these matters very seriously and have suspended our partnership with Mr. Heeney pending completion of the investigation,” a Colgate spokesperson said.
“As this remains an active police matter, we will have no further comment at this time.”
Australian Red Cross Lifeblood has also said it has canned its experiential campaign with the Sydney Swans.
The campaign was centred on a life-sized Swans jumper at Sydney Swans HQ, filled with blood-coloured liquid that was set to drain over 42 days. The campaign was bolstered by out-of-home, digital and match-day activity, encouraging Australians to become regular blood donors.
As a result of the canned campaign, Lifeblood has confirmed to Mumbrella that it won’t be activating on Sunday when the Swans take on North Melbourne at the SCG.
On Monday Morning Victoria Police attended the Pullman Hotel in East Melbourne to investigate allegations of a sexual assault.
After defeating Essendon on Sunday night, the Swans had locked in a top two spot on the AFL ladder heading into the finals series. The whole team and staff were staying at the hotel where the alleged incident occurred.
On Monday morning, media outlets reported that Heeney, Chad Warner, Riley Bice, Nick Blakey and James Jordan had been linked to an investigation into an alleged sexual assault.
The players have not been arrested, and no charges have been laid.
Telstra and Colgate’s suspension of Heeney’s partnership follows the club standing down all of players involved in the active investigation.
“Sydney Swans players Riley Bice, Nick Blakey, Isaac Heeney, James Jordon and Chad Warner will not be considered for selection for the remainder of the 2026 AFL Season,” a Swans official statement read on the club’s website.
“The AFL is supportive of the Club’s sanctions.
“We respect there is an ongoing investigation by Victoria Police and the actions we have taken today are independent of this.”
As for the brands who sponsor the club rather than individual players, many are yet to make official decisions on their corporate agreements.
B&T has spoken to one industry insider who said as long as a club is transparent with its processes and are upfront about the situation, it shouldn’t lose any sponsors.
Major Partner REA Group has told B&T it is awaiting the findings of the investigation before it makes any moves.
“We are deeply concerned by the serious allegations involving several Sydney Swans players. We are aware there are investigations currently being conducted by the relevant authorities and await the findings of those investigations,” it said.
Major partner QBE told Nine.com.au that it has acknowledged the seriousness of the allegations.
“We have no tolerance for conduct that compromises the safety, dignity or wellbeing of others,” a spokesperson said.
“We support the club’s position in condemning all forms of abuse and disrespectful behaviour towards women.
“Given there is an active police investigation it would be inappropriate for us to comment any further.”
A similar statement was provided to Nine by Origin Energy.
“The club informed us about this incident yesterday, and we are incredibly disappointed,” the spokesperson said.
“While the matter is subject to an investigation, it is not appropriate for us to comment any further.”
B&T contacted TAL, Tooheys, UNSW, Virgin, McDonald’s, Nike and Sydney Marathon, who haven’t responded at the time this article was published.
