MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 08: Toby McLean of the Bulldogs runs with the ball during the round three AFL match between the Western Bulldogs and the Essendon Bombers at Etihad Stadium on April 8, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/AFL Media/Getty Images)

The Western Bulldogs have announced the contract extension of midfielder Toby McLean, with the 22-year-old re-committing on a three-year deal.

McLean was already contracted until the end of next season, but will now see his deal extended until the end of 2022.

“I was really excited when they came to me and said they wanted to sign me.  For it to be another four years, I’m stoked,” McLean told westernbulldogs.com.au.

“The Club has really looked after me.  The people around the place is what really drives you to be the player and the person that you are.”

The midfielder has elevated his game to another level since the 2016 premiership, and is currently enjoying a career-year across the board.

McLean is averaging 24.8 disposals, 3.8 marks, 5.9 tackles, 3.7 inside 50s and 4.4 clearances, all of which are career-highs.

“It’s fantastic for Toby and the Club that we were able to secure him for an extra three years,” Dogs’ General Manager of List and Recruiting Sam Power told the club's website.

“The improvement we’ve seen in Toby’s game has been great to watch.  He has established himself as a tough and courageous inside midfielder with an ability to impact in the forward half.

“Pleasingly for us, his best years are well and truly ahead of him, and we look forward to seeing him continue to improve his game.”