Joel Wilkinson's manager is concerned that other AFL players might be reluctant to make a vilification complaint after the current racial abuse controversy.

Former Brisbane premiership player Alastair Lynch said Wilkinson was comfortable with how the process played out, but is disappointed that his name became public.

Western Bulldogs forward Justin Sherman is now serving a four-game suspension for racially abusing Suns rookie Wilkinson in Saturday's game on the Gold Coast.

Wilkinson, who is of Nigerian descent, was making his AFL debut.

He made a complaint and the matter was settled by mediation under the league's racial and religious vilification policy.

Sherman apologised to Wilkinson and later did so again in a public statement.

Wilkinson was supposed to stay anonymous after Sherman's punishment was announced on Monday afternoon, but media outlets soon named him.

"I understand the AFL policy to keep it quiet," Lynch said on Fox Sport's On The Couch.

"It was a disappointing act on the weekend and Joel is comfortable with the ramifications, but I think he and everyone else would prefer his name stayed silent.

"We don't want to discourage guys from coming out and making complaints.

"We don't want to think that the next young player who is vilified in any way, decides `look, I don't want my name out there, because it's going to get out there, so I won't make the complaint'."

Lynch said Wilkinson would deal with the situation.

"He'll move on, but it's very disappointing it (his name) is out there," Lynch said.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP