The AFL have handed Alastair Clarkson a hefty fine and notice for potential suspension for his preseason quarter time flare-up at St Kilda players after North captain Jy Simpkin was ruled out of that match and round one with concussion.

Saints defender Jimmy Webster, who was the target of Clarkson's spray alongside teammate Dougal Howard, received a seven-match suspension for his high bump on Yorta Yorta star Simpkin earlier this week.

Clarkson was criticised for his use of what officials saw as a homophobic slur in the incident.

On Friday, the North coach was sanctioned with a $20,000 fine and a wholly-suspended two-match ban for breaching AFL conduct standards.

Another breach of the 'Unbecoming Conduct' rules before the end of the 2025 season would see him immediately rubbed-out for two games.

Clarkson is also required to undertake league-accepted Pride in Sport training.

AFL General Counsel Stephen Meade the four-time premiership coach's language the league "does not want in the game".

"Alastair's conduct does not represent behaviour acceptable to anyone in our game and not what is expected of a Senior Coach, especially someone of Alastair's experience," Meade said.

"While we understand there are emotions attached to the heat of the contest, engaging with an opposition player during the quarter time break and then using language that is both unacceptable and highly inappropriate is something the AFL does not want in the game.

"The AFL acknowledges Clarkson's apology and contrition over his comments and his and North Melbourne's cooperation in resolving the matter."

The Saints and Webster released a statement expressing regret for the bump, and Clarkson also apologised for his behaviour.

On Friday, Clarkson reiterated his apology on accepting the penalty.

"At the outset, I want to reiterate my initial public apology and acknowledge that my exchange with the St Kilda players was unnecessary and the language I used was inappropriate," Clarkson said.

"I am disappointed that I allowed the emotion of the moment to envelope me and I should not have engaged with the St Kilda players.

"I have since apologised to St Kilda coach Ross Lyon, Jimmy Webster and Dougal Howard for the manner in which I reacted."

Clarkson said his language was not intended to "vilify or marginalise", but acknowledged the impact of the language with intent to educate himself.

"This has been a significant reflective moment for me," he said.

North chief executive Jennifer Watt said the club accepted the sanction.

"As Alastair has identified himself, his behaviour and the language he used was unacceptable and he has taken responsibility for that," Watt said.

"He has now received a significant sanction from the AFL as a result of his conduct.

"We also acknowledge that Alastair has reflected on how he responds to incidents like we saw on Sunday, and we'll support him as he seeks to be better in those situations."