David Armitage is back. Koby Stevens and Jack Steele are ready for their second season at the club. And then there is Luke Dunstan and Blake Acres.

33 days out from Round 1, competition for inside midfield spots is fierce at St Kilda.

After leading the Saints against Essendon in the inaugural AFLX tournament on Friday night, Dunstan said the increased engine room depth has pushed the midfield group throughout the summer.

“We’ve got a lot of depth in our group now,” Dunstan said at a press conference after AFLX on Friday night.

“We’ve got ‘Armo’ back who didn’t play at all last year; obviously we’ve got Koby, ‘Steeley’ and a lot of guys vying for spots in the midfield.

“It’s going to be very competitive, but a good challenge – I’m looking forward to it.”

Dunstan, 23, said the addition of last year’s top-10 draft picks, Hunter Clark and Nick Coffield, had added to the fight for a midfield spot, with so many players fighting for so few spots at Linen House Centre.

“Absolutely there is (more midfield depth this year),” he said.

“The two young guys that have come in, Hunter and Coff, have really been outstanding.

“They’ve shown their talents and what they’ve got to offer, so it’s really exciting.”

The South Australian has completed almost the entire pre-season program, laying the foundation to build off his blistering finish to last season.