Sydney Swans chief executive Tom Harley has stated that players need to thoroughly understand the business of sponsorship deals first before speaking on the complexities around those agreements.
Harley's comments come after mining magnate Gina Rinehart's company Hancock Prospecting cut ties on a $15 million deal with Netball Australia.
The spilt between Netball Australia and the company came after past comments from founder Lang Hancock about First Nations people were criticised within the NA.
Speaking to The Herald Sun, Harley believes athletes should have a voice on social issues, however it is not black and white.
"When it comes to the athletes, (it) is absolutely (about) creating an environment where all of our athletes and all of out staff, for that matter, have their opinions heard in a safe environment," he said.
"Then there's education the other way as well, around what's important to the club from a governance point of view.
"I think sport's maturing in a lot of ways and we're all mature enough to understand that a key component to enable sports to thrive is commercial partnerships, but there's clearly a sharper consideration on them at the moment."
The Sydney Swans currently have a partnership with International Airline Partner Qatar Airways, which has been sponsoring the club since August 2016.
The past week has seen Australian Cricket Captain Pat Cummins, who is a climate activist, take a stance to not take part in commercials with Cricket Australia partner Alinta Energy.
Harley believes money isn't the main motivating factor for clubs when partnering with a commercial sponsor.
"I think it's important, just as a general comment, that we're all trying our best," he added.
"It's important to be kind when assessing how we're all going. I would absolutely like to be able to say, from a Swans point of view, that there's never any sort of malicious intent if we step out of line with anything.
"So you bring (athletes) along the journey, be open and comfortable with feedback, and also create an environment where we're constantly educating our people as to what's some of the commercial imperatives of running a sports club, which is ultimately put our best foot forward on the field which is the program for the players and the salaries for the players as well."
