WESTERN Bulldogs youngster Lachie Hunter has signed a new contract which will see him stay at the club until the end of the 2016 season.

The 19-year old has played nine senior games after making his debut in round 13 this year.

His father Mark played 130 games for the Bulldogs, and the forward has decided to keep the family tradition alive at Whitten Oval.

"It's for an extra two years on top of the first two years I've had here," Hunter told AFL.com.au.

"The club and my manager started talking. They were kind of hoping they could get it done by Christmas. It all happened pretty quick. They got it done within a week.

"I'm happy here. It's close to home and my dad played here. There was no reason to leave."

There are big wraps on Hunter at the Bulldogs, with coach Brendan McCartney saying on more than one occasion that he doesn't require much coaching.

"I think he's just being a bit nice there," Hunter said.

"He still gives me a clip around the ears every now and then."

Hunter is having his best pre-season at the club, and is hoping to increase his tank to cement a spot in the senior team next year.

"Feeling a lot fitter than last year. I think last year I didn't do much of the running. I think I did about 70 per cent. Because I'm doing a lot more of the running I'm feeling a lot fitter, which is always a good start.

"I think I'll stay down forward to start. I'll see what Macca has planned but at this stage it's just forward line, but maybe midfield later on."

Hunter was picked up as a father-son selection with pick No.49 in the 2012 NAB AFL Draft.