North Melbourne general manager of football Todd Viney says the club has drawn a "line in the sand", following recent attacks on its players by media commentator Kane Cornes.

Explaining the club's decision to refuse a request by Cornes to interview coach Alastair Clarkson ahead of Thursday night's Round 8 match against Essendon at Marvel Stadium, Viney described Cornes' attacks on vice-captain Harry Sheezel and captain Jy Simpkin as "vindictive" and "unwarranted".

Cornes accused Sheezel of "stat padding" and getting cheap possessions after Saturday's hard-fought loss to Port Adelaide at Adelaide Oval. He followed up with derogatory attacks on Simpkin, who he also accused of "mouthing off" at Jason Horne-Francis.

Simpkin was cleared by the AFL Tribunal of instigating a melee following North Melbourne's successful appeal this week.

"This was inappropriate, vindictive, bullying behaviour that we as a club won't stand for," Viney told reporters at Arden St on Wednesday. 

"We'll look after our people and we won't be bullied."

Viney said the club would not be engaging with Cornes on his media platforms for the immediate future. 

"I'm not holding my breath on an apology," Viney said.

Viney also confirmed the club would not appeal the AFL Tribunal's decision to uphold forward Paul Curtis's three-game suspension, saying the club had "zero to no chance" of winning an appeal.

"We're disappointed for our player that he has been tarnished with this," Viney said.

"He had the best intentions of playing the game in the right spirit, and not trying to hurt the player involved. So we're really disappointed."