The club confirmed to AFL.com.au on Thursday the 25-year-old had signed a one-year contract extension.

 

Wood played 18 games for the Bulldogs this season, a career-best return, following an injury-plagued 2013 where he was restricted to just five matches.

 

Bulldogs list manager Jason McCartney said the athletic defender had shown positive signs this year and was looking forward to seeing more improvement next season.

 

"Easton hasn’t had a lot of luck with injury in the early part of his career, but showed some durability and promise this season," McCartney said.

 

"We were particularly encouraged with how Easton thrived with some additional on-field responsibility, and we look forward to that continuing next season."

With injuries to key defenders Jordan Roughead and Dale Morris at various stages throughout 2014, Wood took on more responsibility in the Bulldogs' back six, drawing praise from coach Brendan McCartney.

 

"Easton Wood might actually be growing up in front of our eyes because we've put more on his plate, too, that he's having to deal with a taller opponent," McCartney said earlier in the year.

 

"We think we've got a pretty good defender in the making there."

 

In April, Wood told AFL.com.au he wanted to remain at the Bulldogs and finish his career as a one-club player.

 

He has played 65 games since being drafted with pick No.43 in the 2007 NAB AFL Draft