THE WESTERN Bulldogs have all but locked in 2016 premiership skipper Easton Wood to a new contract.

Discussions on a deal for the important defender had started prior to the COVID-19 contract freeze but were delayed as the AFL prohibited clubs from confirming any extensions.

However, the Dogs are set to secure Wood for what is expected to be another two years, taking the 31-year-old through to the end of 2022.

MEGA-DEAL COMING? Dogs start talks on new contract for superstar

Wood told AFL.com.au this week he was keen to put pen to paper.

"It's as good as done, which is really positive. I'll be here for a little while yet," Wood said.

"There's just a few formalities and bits and pieces to tidy up so it's not technically done yet but I'm not going to be anywhere else."

Wood loomed as the Bulldogs' priority signing this year with the club's list management team having locked away most of their key players beyond 2020. 

WHO'S MOVING? All the latest trade and contract news

The high-leaping defender is a chance to return from a hamstring injury against Hawthorn in Adelaide on Sunday after suffering the minor strain against Geelong in round 14. 

He remains a key part of the Bulldogs' backline as they attempt to return to the finals after a strong run of form in the second half of this season.

The impending contract extension will see Wood, who skippered the Dogs to their historic premiership four years ago as injured captain Bob Murphy's stand-in, be a Bulldog for life.

He took on the role permanently for the 2018-19 seasons before handing on the job to superstar midfielder Marcus Bontempelli ahead of the 2020 campaign.