Kevin Sheedy and Terry Daniher are among a number of AFL greats named in a landmark class action against the AFL for allegedly failing to protect players from racial abuse on the field.

The class action has been brought by North Melbourne great Phil Krakouer and six others who played football between 1975 and 2022, including his brother James Krakouer.

The statement lodged in the Supreme Court of Victoria alleged that from the time Krakouer signed with North Melbourne in the early 1980s, he was the victim of verbal and physical abuse in the majority of the 141 games he played, particularly away games.

The document alleged he and his family were immediately the subject of newspaper articles that contained racist remarks about his family from Western Australia.

The AFL allegedly did not respond to the articles or support Krakouer.

It is alleged he was frequently called racist names and terms by opposition players and spectators, and was physically attacked by players who were trying to goad him to respond so that he would be sanctioned.

The claim has alleged that spectators threw beer cans at Phil Krakouer on multiple occasions and that, in April 1982, fellow North Melbourne player James Krakouer was struck by a can thrown while his brother was being abused.

AFL greats accused of verbal abuse

In a game in about June 1982, it has been alleged player Rod Austin was physically targeting Phil Krakouer during the match and got into a fight with James Krakouer afterwards.

The statement of claim included an allegation that in the 1982 elimination final, multiple Essendon players were racially abusing Phil Krakouer.

The class action claimants alleged team captain Terry Daniher frequently called Krakouer racist names during the match.

It is alleged the umpires did not respond and Krakouer said he was powerless to respond because of the risk of suspension.

Billy Duckworth and Wayne Johnston have also been named in the statement of claim as players who are alleged to have racially abused him.

The claim also alleged that about five to 10 years ago, former coach Kevin Sheedy admitted to Krakouer that he encouraged his players to abuse Krakouer and his brother to obtain a tactical advantage against them in matches.

Margalit Injury Lawyers associate Emily Sinclair said she understood that Sheedy, Daniher, Austin, Duckworth and Johnston had denied the allegations made against them in the claim.

She said they may be called to give evidence if the class action proceeds to a trial.

AFL denies neglect of players

The legal claim against the AFL alleged it was foreseeable for the league, which was operating as the VFL for part of the period covered by the class action, to see that indigenous players and players of colour were at risk of abuse during matches, or in connection with matches, from opposition players, members of staff of opposition clubs, including coaches, and spectators.

It also alleged umpires and match officials did not prevent abuse and that the AFL did not sanction players or spectators for racism, leading to the risk of long-term or permanent harm.

Ms Sinclair said the class action was seeking compensation in an attempt to improve safety in the AFL.

The AFL said it rejected any allegation that the VFL/AFL had been negligent over the past 47 years and would defend those claims.

"As a code, we are privileged to have had hundreds of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander players who have played our game, including Phil and Jimmy Krakouer," a spokesperson said.

"We fully acknowledge during our long history of the game there has been racism in Australian football and that players have been marginalised, hurt or discriminated against because of their race and for that we have apologised and continue to apologise and will continue to act to address that harm."

The AFL said it was working through the class action and continuing ongoing work against racism and discrimination with its clubs, players, staff and supporters to promote a safe and respectful environment at all levels.

Ms Sinclair said she was continuing to field inquiries from other former players about possibly joining the class action.

Kevin Sheedy is now a director at the Essendon Football Club.

He has told the ABC he cannot comment because the matter is before the court.

The Bombers have released a statement supporting Sheedy.

"As a director of the club, Kevin has strenuously denied the allegation in the court action that refers to him," it said.

"The club will continue to support him and the past Essendon players that are also referred to in the court action."

Essendon said it had a history of advocacy for First Nations People, led by Sheedy.

"Throughout his career, Kevin has championed the causes of First Nations footballers, never more so than through his role in the establishment of "Dreamtime at the G", a celebration of First Nations peoples and cultures."