Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020

Nick Watson halftime interview comments became a talking point after the Hawthorn forward was held quiet in the second half of last Friday night’s AFL loss to the Western Bulldogs.

The Western Bulldogs ended a five-game losing run against Hawthorn with a comeback win, while Watson’s duel with Michael Sellwood became one of the sharpest contests of the night.

For more AFL tribunal news, read Billy Frampton Suspension Overturned After Brody Mihocek Tribunal Hearing.

Beveridge Backs Watson After Cheeky Remark

Watson kicked three early goals and had the better of Sellwood before halftime, but the Western Bulldogs stopper helped limit him to just two disposals after the main break.

When leaving the field at halftime, Watson said: "I don't care if he (Sellwood) talks, as long as he walks the walk. I'd love to see it in the second half."

Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge defended the 21-year-old, saying the comment should not be overplayed.

"I have heard (Watson's comments) and I think it was pretty innocent, too," Beveridge said.

"I'd hate to think that as the weeks go on that he is reminded of that because I think it was quite an innocent sort of throwaway line.

"It's been compounded and meant something a bit different because of how lively he is and how cheeky he is.

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Bulldogs Praise Their Role Players

Beveridge also praised Sellwood and Will Lewis for the way they handled their assignments against Watson and Hawthorn captain James Sicily.

"James is built that way; he's an ultra competitor, super nice guy off the field, but he gets white line fever," Beveridge said.

"He's such a ripping character, you love having someone like that in your team who just gets white line fever.

"We thought 'Lewy' held up pretty well, he was pretty disciplined.

"There was obviously some spot fires, but both of them (Sellwood and Sicily) were asked to do a job for the team, and we were pretty content that they did."

Beveridge said players like Sellwood and Lewis add edge around stars Marcus Bontempelli and Ed Richards.

"Every team needs that confrontational cohort and those two definitely don't back away from the contest and the adversarial nature of our game."