The Western Bulldogs are poised to announce the re-signing of Josh Dunkley and Tom Liberatore.

According to The Herald Sun's Jon Ralph, new deals loom for the out-of-contract duo that will keep them at the club in 2022 and beyond.

The Dogs are expected to announce a new deal for Libbertore in the coming weeks that will keep the 29-year-old at the club until 2023.

The 2016 premiership player has refound his form in 2021, averaging 24.6 disposals, 8.7 clearances, and 5.5 tackles per game.

Dunkley was on the verge of leaving the kennel in last year's trade period and requested a trade to Essendon in search of more midfield time.

The 24-year-old was deployed as a second ruckman in 2020, a role he did not enjoy and the recruitment of Adam Treloar only insinuated that his time in the heart of the Bulldogs midfield was numbered.

However, Dunkley returned to his preferred position in 2021 and averaged 30 disposals per game before undergoing a shoulder reconstruction in Round 6.

Reports now suggest Dunkley will extend his stay at the Bulldogs well beyond 2021.

“I can tell you tonight that Josh Dunkley is certain to stay at the Western Bulldogs for 2022 and beyond,” Ralph told Fox Footy.

“It’s fantastic news for the club and I think it’s proof as well...and we’ve seen it on the field...just those little improvements for the things that were at the heart of his discontent."

The news comes on a night when the Bulldogs relinquished top spot on the ladder to Melbourne.

The Dogs were blown away by the Demons in the first quarter, conceding 6.5 (41) to trail by 27 points at quarter-time. At times it appeared they would get their game back on track but the Demons' defence held strong to secure an 13.9 (87) to 8.11 (59) win.

Next up for the Bulldogs is a trip to Perth to face Fremantle, while Melbourne host Brisbane on Friday night.