Though his efforts probably won’t be recognised in the Saints best and fairest award due to how much football he’s missed, the left footer’s impact when available has been profound.
Armitage began the season as the leader of St Kilda’s on-ball brigade with Lenny Hayes and Leigh Montagna both suspended in round one.
While he only collected 14 touches in the hard-fought win over Melbourne, it was his six tackles and four clearances that set the tone for the evening.
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A deep cut to his knee against Adelaide in round four, which subsequently became infected, put a temporary halt to the 26-year-old’s season.Since his return to the senior team in round 13, Armitage has averaged almost 23 disposals per outing – well above his career average of 17.
Yet his influence, beyond mere statistics, is equally significant.
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Along with Jarryn Geary, Armitage remains one of the few Saints in their mid-20s who is old enough to remember the successful years of 2008-2010, but young enough to have an eye on the future and considerable impact in shaping it.When SAINTS.com.au spoke to him following Sunday’s 26-point loss to Richmond, the midfielder was bullish about St Kilda’s chances against Adelaide and especially complimentary of the host of youngsters that have begun to establish themselves in 2014.
“We fought it out and can’t be happy with a performance like that but we certainly weren’t blown out of the water,” he said.
“With clearance numbers they probably got the better of us but scores from stoppage were three goals each so that’s something we pride ourselves on and was a good result.
“Seb Ross, Jack Newnes, Tommy Curren and Spencer White coming in tonight, they’re really improving every week, they just need to believe in themselves to become elite players.”
David Armitage sings the team song with Jack Newnes and Tom Curren after the Fremantle win in round 18.VIDEO: Armitage 100 game milestone
This self-confidence is evident in the way Armitage goes about his game now, and having played 106 matches since debuting in 2007, he’s firmly established himself as a future leader at the club.
Following Trent Cotchin’s 31-possession, five-goal haul in round 15 against the Saints, Alan Richardson sent Maverick Weller to the Tigers’ skipper on Sunday.While Cotchin still collected 22 disposals, Weller held him goalless.
“Mav was really good,” Armitage said.
“He took care of Deledio in the middle and we took care of Cotchin when he was around the ground. He did a great job when he was on both of them."
