The AFL Integrity Unit have launched investigations into a series of 'hurtful and abhorrent' racist attacks directed at a number of Indigenous footballers on social media in recent days.

On Tuesday AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan said he was disgusted by the abuse as more players and clubs came forward in the string of online incidents.

Racist remarks towards Adelaide's Izak Rankine were the first to be reported on at the conclusion of round four on Monday evening, with Crows boss Tim Silvers labelling the vilification "​​reprehensible behaviour".

The news set a troubling precedent, with examples of racist and homophobic abuse directed towards Fremantle's Nathan Wilson and Michael Walters and "vile, racist remarks" subjected to Brisbane's Charlie Cameron coming in the following 24 hours.

In many cases, the attacks come from anonymous social media accounts, which Dockers chief executive Simon Garlick described as "cowardly" and "pathetic" while he condemned the behaviour.

"We're angry and we're frustrated and we've just had enough of this sort of behaviour," Garlick said.

"People who think that it's okay to cowardly sit behind an anonymous social media account and take part in this sort of activity is just unacceptable.

"The impact on the players who are specifically targeted is profound. But it's not just limited to that - their family members or friends or associates, people who've been through this previously are impacted as well."

Garlick said while is was encouraging to see the support given to the players, he said the public must act to call out people committing racist and vilifying behaviour.

Speaking after racist remarks were directed young Bulldogs star Jamarra Ugle-Hagan by a fan at Marvel Stadium in round two, AFL general manager of inclusion and social policy Tanya Hosch said the online matters can be difficult to track down.

"When it's online, the majority of the time these things are done in a cowardly manner through anonymous accounts or accounts that have been set up simply to give people anonymity while they churn out all of this racist, sexist or homophobic abuse," she told ABC Radio Melbourne in March.

Brisbane chief executive Greg Swann said he is "bewildered" that these incidents continue.

In Cameron's case, the abuse he received was reported to authorities by a Lions fan who saw the remarks online.

"I'm angry and disappointed that Charlie, and we as a footy club as well as an industry have to constantly deal with this. I'm bewildered it continues to happen," Swann said in a statement on Tuesday.

"It's cowardly behaviour, hiding behind social media and abusing and attacking our players.

"We have reported the incident to the AFL Integrity Unit and beyond this statement, we want to take a strong stance against this happening and support any repercussions that the perpetrator may face."

The launch of AFLIU investigations into the matters, alongside club officials, was confirmed by McLachlan who said support will be provided to the players involved.

He said the league stood with clubs, players, the AFL Players Association and fans in calling out the racist and homophobic comments, and called on people to continue doing so.

"This has to stop. It not only hurts the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander players targeted but all Indigenous players and players of colour across the league as well as their families, their team-mates and friends," McLachlan said.

"We strongly support all our players and condemn the racial vilification of anyone in football and anyone in the wider community.

"The AFL wants to make clear, there is no place in our game for anyone who vilifies our players."