The Western Bulldogs have locked away versatile defender Zaine Cordy until the end of the 2021 season on a three-year deal.

Due to come out of contract at season's end, the 21-year-old has been one of the few mainstays of the Bulldogs backline this season due to injuries to skipper Easton Wood, Dale Morris and Marcus Adams.

Cordy's ability to play tall or small gives Luke Beveridge the flexibility the premiership coach demands.

List and recruiting general manager Sam Power said extending Cordy's contract was a great result for the Dogs.

"Zaine is an important part of our future and we’re thrilled to see him re-sign with the club,” Power said.

"He has shown rapid improvement in the early stages of his career and we’re excited about what the future holds for him.

"Zaine is dedicated to learning and improving his game all the time. He is a respected member of the playing group and we believe he is only going to improve as he gains more experience."

Taken as a father-son selection in the fourth round of the 2014 NAB AFL Draft, Cordy has played 38 games and was defensive forward in the club's 2016 premiership triumph.

Cordy has played eight matches so far this season, averaging 13.6 disposals and five marks per game.