EASTON Wood is likely to be a Bulldog for life after inking a deal that will see him remain at Whitten Oval until the end of the 2020 season.  

The 27-year-old, who captained the Bulldogs to the flag last year in the absence of Robert Murphy, was set to be a free agent at the end of 2018.  

Western Bulldogs' list manager Jason McCartney told westernbulldogs.com.au the club was delighted to extend highly respected defender's stay by a further two seasons.  

"I can’t speak highly enough of Easton as a player and as an individual," McCartney said.  

"On the field his athleticism and intercept marking abilities are elite and he rarely gets beaten in a one-on-one contest.  

"He had big shoes to fill last season, stepping in as captain for Rob Murphy, and he couldn't have handled it better.  

"He loves the club, and we're really pleased he's chosen to extend his contract this early."  

Wood has become an integral cog in the Bulldogs' team after a breakout 2015 season when he received Virgin Australia AFL All Australian honours and became a club champion for the first time.  

The Camperdown product is the tenth player to have signed a new deal this season, joining Jason Johannisen, Lewis Young, Clay Smith, Marcus Adams and Tim English.  

Wood arrived at the Bulldogs via a third-round selection (43rd overall) in the 2007 NAB AFL National Draft, and has since played 122 games after debuting in round 19, 2009 against West Coast.