The Geelong Football Club have responded to serious sexual abuse allegations made by a former player and now Indigenous elder, confirming legal proceedings have commenced.

First reported by the Herald Sun on Saturday, the unnamed former Cat alleged he was cornered and sexually assaulted by three older players while living at the club's Aberdeen House, a residence for country recruits, in the 1980s.

The man was part of Geelong's under 19s setup but left shortly after the alleged incident.

He says he was just 15 or 16 years old at the time.

Supreme Court action has been filed against Geelong on claims the club had a duty of care for the man's welfare, safety and supervision while living at the house as a minor.

He claims the Cats are liable as the three alleged abusers were employees of the club.

"My client has shown a lot of courage and strength in coming forward about his abuse," the man's lawyer Angela Di Carluccio from Melbourne firm Arnold Thomas & Becker told the Herald Sun.

"He is a proud and well respected Indigenous man who has fought hard in his life to overcome his trauma and to contribute positively to his community."

On Sunday Geelong released a statement confirming they are aware of the allegations and that legal proceedings have begun.

"The Club understands that a historical claim of serious sexual abuse has been made by a person who was engaged with the Club's under 19s team in the early 1980s," the statement read.

"Our first thought is with the individual, their family and the community and the Club is taking this matter extremely seriously.

"As legal proceedings have now commenced and with respect to all parties, the Club is unable to make any further comment at this stage.

"We acknowledge this communication may cause distress and we encourage people to seek appropriate support."

The three alleged abusers have not been named.