WESTERN Bulldogs defender Easton Wood is confident he’ll sign a new contract with the club before the end of the season.
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The Camperdown export is in the midst of a career-best AFL campaign after putting a string of injury setbacks behind him.
Wood, 24, has played all 17 games this season to date, surpassing his previous best effort of 15 matches in 2011, for a career total of 64.
Severe hamstring injuries restricted Wood to five appearances in 2013 but he has fought back to be a vital cog in coach Brendan McCartney’s plans this year.
He is averaging 15 disposals and 3.5 marks a game, providing run from half-back and an ability to play on tall and small opponents.
Wood is out of contract but wants to remain at Whitten Oval beyond this season.
“It is looking good. The club wants to keep me around so I am pretty stoked,” he said.
“We’re working on the details now. It will certainly be done before the end of the season.
“Obviously it’s been my best year by far. I have just been really happy to have consistent health with my body. It’s been a major challenge through my career.”
Wood, who will use a bye this weekend to visit his mother Fiona in Camperdown, has relished the chance to cement his spot in the Bulldogs’ senior line-up, particularly after an injury-ravaged 2013 campaign.
The former Geelong Grammar student, who collected a career-high 22 touches against Greater Western Sydney in round four, said any fears he had about his hamstring problems reoccurring had dissipated, allowing him to build form and confidence.
“It means a lot. You work so hard to be the best you can be and when your body lets you down it is heart-breaking,” Wood said.
“Last year I tore my hamstring twice. Once was in the NAB Cup and I missed the start of the season and got back round three against Richmond.
“I lasted seven minutes and tore the same hamstring and missed 15 weeks.
“I came in for the last four games of the season and to be honest I was a shell of myself. I was worried my hamstring would go again.”
Western Bulldogs lost a thriller to top-eight side Essendon on Sunday for a 6-11 season win/loss record.
Wood was restricted to nine touches in the seven-point loss and is eager to respond.
“I feel like I have been able to contribute each week, which has been great,” he said.
“I didn’t have a great game on the weekend which I was a bit frustrated with but it’s a long season.”