One of the AFL's feel-good stories is set to extend into 2017 with resilient Western Bulldogs midfielder Clay Smith indicating he will almost certainly be at the club next season.

Having endured three knee reconstructions during his five-year career, Smith, 22, returned to the Dogs' side in round 15 after more than a year on the outer, and has played 11 straight games - taking his career total to 45. He had 16 disposals and kicked two important goals in his side's 23-point semi-final victory over Hawthorn on Friday night, and now has his eyes set on Greater Western Sydney - the Dogs' preliminary final opponents next Saturday at Spotless Stadium.

Out of contract at season's end, Smith said on Sunday he was expecting a new deal which would keep him at the Whitten Oval.

"It's pretty safe to say I'll be at the Bulldogs next year," Smith told Channel Nine's Sunday Footy Show.

With a grand final now just one win away, Smith reflected on his challenging road. "Times have turned since the three knees," he said.

"It was difficult times but they get pushed to the back of the mind when things like this happen.

"The last few weeks have been pretty surreal."

The Bulldogs' list for 2017 is rapidly taking shape after coach Luke Beveridge said on Saturday that veteran Matthew Boyd would be at the club next year, while big man Tom Campbell recently extended his contract with the club until the end of 2018.

The Dogs are also favourites to secure out-of-favour Collingwood forward Travis Cloke, who has requested a move from the Holden Centre.But the futures of fringe-dwellars Nathan Hrovat and Koby Stevens looks murky. Both have been overlooked for finals selection and are without deals for next year.

Lin Jong - whose season was almost certainly ended by a broken collarbone suffered in the Dogs' elimination final win over West Coast - is also out of contract. He has been linked to the Pies since it emerged mid-season that he had toured the club's facilities.