WESTERN Bulldogs superstar Marcus Bontempelli is open to an early extension on his contract that expires at the end of 2019.

The 22-year-old is coming off back-to-back best and fairest awards, and is widely considered one of the best young players in the competition.

With 85 games to his name, a player of his standing and ability would command a monster contract on the open market.

But as he prepares for fifth season in the AFL, Bontempelli told Channel Seven he wouldn’t be adverse to deal that would extend his time at Whitten Oval.

"I’m always happy to look at (a contract extension)," Bontempelli said on Friday.

"It’s a great club which I love being around, but it’s probably an ongoing discussion with the footy club and my manager."

After a few injury interruptions going into Dogs’ underwhelming premiership defence, a seamless pre-season has him primed to help the Dogs return to flag calculations.

"You don’t know how much a little niggle here, a little niggle there is going to influence you, but it certainly sends you in the season a tiny bit underprepared," he said.

"So far, so good (this pre-season because) it’s always nice to get a clean run into the practice games, so fingers crossed it stays that way."