Former player to sue Essendon, AFL

A former footballer has lodged legal action against the Essendon Football Club and the AFL.

An initial hearing, to be heard in the Victorian Supreme Court, will consider whether the player's identity should be prevented from publication on Wednesday.

The legal action is separate from the AFL tribunal's consideration of possible suspensions for 34 current and former Essendon players relating to the club's 2012 supplement program.