The Western Bulldogs say their future looks bright after re-signing nine young players, including Shaun Higgins, to tie them to the AFL club beyond this season.

Along with 21-year-old midfielder-forward Higgins, the Bulldogs have secured Will Minson, Callan Ward, Tom Williams, Andrejs Everitt, Dylan Addison, Jarrad Grant, Jarrad Boumann and Easton Wood.

The club did not disclose the length of the new deals.

Of the nine, only ruckman-forward Minson has more than 50 AFL matches to his name, having played 86 since making his debut in 2004.

Higgins, due to return from injury against Geelong on Friday night, has played 47 and already marked himself as a rising star of the competition.

Midfielder Ward has made himself a team regular this year, playing 17 matches, after notching just six in his debut season last year.

Injury-prone key defender Williams, who may not play again this season because of a broken foot, has managed 33 matches over three years.

Addison has played 41 games and Everitt 23, while Wood (two matches) and key forward prospects Grant (one) and Boumann (none) are yet to establish themselves in the side.

"Shaun Higgins is widely regarded as one of the best young players in the competition," Bulldogs football manager James Fantasia said.

"We continue to have faith in the ability of Tom Williams, while Will Minson has come on in leaps and bounds this year.

"Callan Ward's Rising Star nomination highlights what an outstanding talent he is, while we are confident that Andrejs Everitt, Dylan Addison, Jarrad Grant, Jarrad Boumann and Easton Wood will play a big part in the future of the club."

The contract announcement comes after coach Rodney Eade last week signed on for two more seasons.

"These players represent the future of the Western Bulldogs and coupled with the fact that we have secured the services of senior coach Rodney Eade for a further two years, we are very confident that the direction the Club is currently moving in will ensure our long term success and sustainability," Fantasia said.

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