St Kilda midfielder David Armitage made a successful return to football on Saturday, getting through his first game after groin surgery in Sandringham's 27-point win at Simonds Stadium.

Having not played football at any level since April, the 29-year-old got through two and half quarters to finish with 22 disposals and three tackles, passing the first step in his comeback trail to AFL selection.

“David Armitage hasn’t played a lot of football so we’re just happy he got through his managed minutes, which will increase in the coming weeks,” VFL coach Lindsay Gilbee told saints.com.au.

“He was a bit rusty because of the amount of football he’s missed but he provided a good contest and did some good things in the centre square around the stoppages that got the game on our terms.”

Nick O’Kearney and Maverick Weller were two other Saints to impress Gilbee, who finished with 29 and 26 disposals respectively to among the Zebras’ best.

“Nick O’Kearney is really developing well through the midfield and getting consistent numbers most weeks which is really pleasing. His run and carry, the way he uses the ball has become a real weapon," Gilbee said.

“Mav Weller is one of our experienced players who was really influential today in his second VFL game. His aggression and leadership is important for our young group and he kicked a couple goals, so we expect he’ll return to the AFL side soon.”

Gilbee also highlighted the four goal performance from Josh Battle, a week after his AFL debut to once again put his name up for selection in Alan Richardson’s AFL team.