The Western Bulldogs are a step closer to securing the future of Mitch Wallis at the Club beyond the 2018 season.
When asked about the prospects of Wallis extending his eight-year career at the Bulldogs, coach Luke Beveridge said on Friday the Club had tabled a contract offer for the 25-year-old.
"There is (an offer in front of Wallis), so we're just working through that with his management," Beveridge said.
"The free-agency status entitles players to explore what the market is going to tell them in as far as their worth, but how that transpires, I couldn't tell you.
"We're working with his management to try and secure Mitch's services for the future."
Beveridge said in the past he wanted Wallis to add a "qualitative sheen" to his game to complement strong contested-ball attributes, and Wallis has answered that in the second half of the season, with an ability to hit the scoreboard and involve himself in other attacking forays.
"Mitch Wallis is a prime example of a player we've had some conversations around what's going to improve him as a player, and we know how capable he can be," Beveridge said.
"That can be quite confronting and a little bit uncomfortable for players, but he's done a great job of focusing on some of those areas that he knew he could bring into his game and to enhance his game.
"In general terms, he's shown he can be a pretty dangerous offensive player and he's always had that midfield craft, and he's had a good combination of both in recent times. No doubt that helps Mitch and his endeavours to secure his immediate future.
"I think he's playing some really good footy now, and we're really happy with the way he's going."
Beveridge also confirmed the Club’s intention to retain forward Tory Dickson beyond this season, with the 30-year-old returning to the team this week after a hamstring injury.
Asked if uncontracted players were playing for their careers in the last four games of the Dogs' season, Beveridge didn't agree, but backed them to show their worth before the year is out.
"There are quite a few (players) out of contract with varying situations," Beveridge conceded.
"The boys will do the upmost to show us what they're capable of, and that's always going to help with their future. But whether their form in these last handful of games is decisive in regard to whether or not they've still got AFL futures or not, I wouldn't say that."
Beveridge also confirmed the Bulldogs’ coaching panel will remain intact for the 2019 season.
"I couldn't be happier with our coaches," Beveridge said.
"The coaches are really the same panel that helped us win the 2016 flag and they've been an enormous support for me.
"They've been great contributors in their areas."