An Essendon player seeking to sue the AFL has had an application to protect his identity rejected.

Lawyers for Hal Hunter, who did not appear in court, sought a suppression order on the basis that legal action would relate to medical treatment he received as well as his personal health records.

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Supreme Court Justice John Dixon rejected the suppression application, and refused to allow Mr Hunter to use a pseudonym.

He said the case would be no different to medical negligence cases where the plaintiff’s identity and medical details are revealed in open court.

No applications have been lodged in relation to Mr Hunter.