LIAM Picken's continued strong form for the Western Bulldogs is set to be rewarded with a new two-year contract.

AFL.com.au understands the 28-year-old, who has played nine games this season, is close to inking a deal which would see him remain at the club until the end of 2017.

Picken, who was selected by the Bulldogs at the 2009 rookie draft, has been a mainstay in the club's midfield and defence over the past seven seasons since playing 23 games in his debut year.

This season, under new coach Luke Beveridge, Picken has been afforded more freedom to go head-to-head through the midfield, kicking seven goals and averaging 22 disposals a game.

Picken last signed a two-year contract extension in 2013, which tied him to the Bulldogs through to the end of this season.

His signature will follow a raft of re-signings for the club so far this year, with captain Robert Murphy, half-back Easton Wood, and young stars Jake Stringer and Jack Macrae already recommitting to the Dogs.

The Bulldogs' exciting start to the year has been on the back of some brilliant performances by their pack of youngsters, but under Beveridge the senior stalwarts have also enjoyed bursts of form.

Murphy's run off half-back has been instrumental, while former skipper Matthew Boyd has shifted from the midfield to a role across half-back, opening up a position for Picken to win more of the ball.

After having the bye last week, the Bulldogs face the Brisbane Lions at Etihad Stadium on Sunday with their season placed at 5-5 after 10 games.