St Kilda midfielder David Armitage is confident the Saints' leadership group is full of candidates who are capable of taking over the reins from Nick Riewoldt when the time comes for change.
The 28-year-old is one of a handful of potential candidates the club has at its disposal, with experienced duo Jarryn Geary and Jack Steven two other strong options who have led the team in Riewoldt’s absence during the last two seasons.
“I just know we’ve got a healthy leadership group and a lot of candidates within that could easily take over that role,” Armitage said at a press conference at Moorabbin on Monday.
“I think probably everyone in there has stuck their hand up for the role. I know myself and Jarryn and Jack Steven have had turns of taking the captaincy when Nick hasn’t been available. So we’ll certainly put our hand up.”
Both Armitage and Geary were recruited by St Kilda in 2006, but at completely opposite ends of the talent spectrum.
Armitage was secured from Southport with the prized pick No. 9 in the National Draft, while Geary was plucked from Bendigo with selection No. 58 in the Rookie Draft.
Both have emerged as potential candidates, but with Riewoldt set for at least one more season at the club, and Leigh Montagna going around again, the Saints are well placed for this transition period, according to the Queenslander.
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“You learn little things off Nick all the time. He’s been the best leader in my eyes for a long time at this footy club, so you just learn a lot of things off him,” Armitage said.
“No matter what happens, the captain’s going to be the cherry on top for what the leadership group actually do.
“It’s going to be vital to have Nick around for whoever gets passed the baton. I think Leigh Montagna – he’s almost another captain as well – he just doesn’t have the title.”
When quizzed about what type of leader he is, Armitage indicated that he was the type that leads by example and someone who young players can seek out for advice and direction.
“I like to think that I’m pretty approachable for all the young guys and my main trait is to lead by example the way I attack the footy and the man,” he said.
“So you’ve got to look after your own backyard first in the way you play and play consistent footy and then it’s about challenging what you want to stand for.
“That’s probably the area that I need to improve the most as well as being companionate and show lots of care, but I think I do that reasonably well.”
