Lyon and Watson back Bulldogs coach Beveridge for his defence of Weightman

Garry Lyon and Tim Watson have celebrated Luke Beveridge's defence of young gun Cody Weightman.

It comes after Fox Footy's Mark Robinson suggested that Weightman might have played for free kicks at times during the weekend's win over North Melbourne.

Beveridge, who consistently sticks up for his players amid media scrutiny, made it clear to Robinson on AFL 360 that Weightman was within his rights to earn certain free kicks last Saturday.

Lyon and Watson shared their thoughts regarding Beveridge’s response, backing the Bulldogs coach for the way he spoke about Weightman.

“He’s a coach that’s going in to bat for his players in a big way,” Lyon stated on SEN Breakfast.

“I watched the incidents, because I hadn't seen them at that stage, and I’m more in the Beveridge camp, I thought they (the free kicks) were there.”

Watson added: “They might have been marginal, but I think what players love and what he always demonstrates, 'Bevo', is he goes in to bat for his players.

“He’s unequivocal. The support that he gives his players always, publicly, is something I’m sure the players love and respect with him.”

Dwayne Russell was also in the Beveridge and Weightman camp.

“There might have been a case where Cody Weightman has acted for frees before in previous years,” Russell said on SEN’s Dwayne’s World.

“But I think he deserved every free kick that he got on the weekend based on the vision that I saw.”

Weightman was crucial against the Ross, kicking three goals in the Bulldogs' 17-point win.

The Bulldogs will look to continue their good form in a highly anticipated clash against Port Adelaide at Adelaide Oval on Saturday.