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Carlton chief executive Brian Cook says the AFL needs to be "concerned" about the class action alleging historic racism in the game.

Veteran AFL club administrator Brian Cook has called for accountability and support after a class action accused several high-profile figures of historic racism.

The Carlton chief executive said on Monday they had contacted their former star Wayne Johnston, who is among several people named in the suit.

North Melbourne's Indigenous brothers Jim and Phil Krakouer are alleging they were racially vilified by opponents, including Johnston, during the 1980s.

The class action also names former Essendon premiership coach Kevin Sheedy, who denies the allegations, and the AFL has indicated it will fight the claims.

It is also open to more than 1000 former VFL/AFL players who are Indigenous or persons of colour, and their families.

"We need to be aware of it, we need to be concerned about it and we need to take an accountable and supportive set of actions," Cook said.

"But at this stage, it's far too early to make any comment."

Cook said news of the class action "came as a bit of a surprise" to Carlton, noting they are not a party to the legal action.

"We have reached out to Wayne to make sure he is aware of the allegations. We checked on him from a welfare point as well," he said.

"We just have to wait and see what happens between the AFL and the ... lawyers.

"He (Johnston) hasn't said much and I can't represent him either at this time."

Cook would not be drawn on whether the league took enough action against racism in the game during the 1980s and '90s.

He also declined to comment on a report that players could be added automatically to the class action.

"I haven't had time to think about those things," he said.