COLLINGWOOD defender Harry O'Brien has hit back at comments made by Peter Costello, labeling the former federal treasurer as "irresponsible".

Costello took aim at AFL players in his column in The Age newspaper on Wednesday and questioned their motives when it came to charity work.

Costello also raised concerns over whether footballers were good role models on younger generations.

In the wake of the St Kilda scandal that made headlines over summer, Costello wrote that "any right-thinking parent would quake with fear to think footballers were coming to their daughter’s school to give a little bit of inspiration."

Speaking from Morwell on Wednesday at Collingwood's Telstra AFL community camp, O'Brien said Costello's comments were based on the actions of only a few AFL footballers and not a true reflection of the group as a whole.

"I think it's irresponsible to make any generalisations on any groups in society," O'Brien said.

"Generalisations were made on AFL footballers which, given Mr Costello's background, I thought he would be a bit more diplomatic with his opinions. It is disappointing to see someone with a great deal of influence make generalisations on all AFL players."

He said it was disappointing to be defined by someone "without even knowing you personally".

Collingwood held a super clinic for the local school kids at Morwell Football Club on Wednesday and O'Brien said parents should not be worried about letting their children participate.

"It's only a very small minority of players that have issues and do make mistakes," he said.

"AFL players aren’t immune to the challenges that society has and we're just a reflection of society.

"But I can confidently say that the vast majority of AFL players are responsible and fantastic role models to society and do amazing work.

"The amount of people that AFL players are able to reach is amazing," O'Brien said.