THE WESTERN Bulldogs have locked another piece of their future by re-signing second-year midfielder Declan Hamilton.

The 19-year-old, who is the nephew of South Australian greats Darren and Andrew Jarman, has inked a one-year contract extension that will see him remain at Whitten Oval until the end of 2017.

It's a great show of faith in the lightly built Port Adelaide Magpies product, as he is yet to make his AFL debut after being taken with pick No.39 in the 2014 NAB AFL Draft.

Playing predominantly across the wing and half-forward while developing with Footscray in the VFL, Hamilton is highly skilled and has elite endurance. 

The announcement of his recommitment comes on the same day the Dogs confirmed AFL.com.au's report last week that evergreen defender Dale Morris has spurned free agency and will extend his career with the club into a 13th AFL season.

Luke Beveridge said he was confident former skipper Matthew Boyd would follow Morris' lead and play on next season.

Morris and Boyd, both 33, have arguably been in All Australian form this season as they help usher in the next generation of Bulldog defenders.

"We're talking to Matty Boyd at the moment about his future as well," Beveridge said on Tuesday.

"We thought Matty was quite outstanding in the game on the weekend (against North Melbourne) and it looked like he had another five years in him.

"So (his contract situation) will work itself out."

Veteran ruckman Will Minson is the only other free agent at the Bulldogs, and the 31-year-old is expected to retire at season's end after largely being out of favour over the past 18 months.