DAVID Armitage is in no rush to assume the leadership at St Kilda, but if he does take over from Nick Riewoldt, the midfielder says he would be ready.
The prolific ball-winner has skippered the Saints on three occasions this year in Riewoldt’s absence, with Jarryn Geary also given a chance to display his leadership credentials against Carlton on Anzac Day and last weekend against Port Adelaide.
Speaking on Thursday morning following the news he has extended his contract by three years, Armitage indicated he would be happy to take over from Riewoldt if the opportunity allowed.
“I’ve relished it and loved every moment I’ve captained this year,” Armitage said.
“Myself and Jarryn have really stepped up in the leadership ranks this year and led by example. That’s what good leaders do. They play strongly and challenge others.
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“Rooey is clearly still the captain and he’s great in what he does for the footy club. There is a lot of water to go under the bridge. If I was to be the next captain then I’d certainly be happy and honoured.”
The 27-year-old, who has played 124 games since being selected with pick nine in the 2006 National Draft, has averaged 29.1 disposals this season.
While he has always been a strong inside midfielder, his rise to prominence in 2015 is due to a pre-season in which he lost between seven and 10 kilograms of muscle.
“Something I used to struggle with was last quarters,” Armitage conceded.
“Dropping a little bit of weight after a conversation with Richo enabled me to take my running to another level and running out games.
“Being injured for eight weeks with my knee didn’t help last year either. Like I said, no hiccups this year and I’ve been able to keep that weight off.”
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As for the vastly improved midfield group Armitage is a central component of, there remains plenty of growth left.
“There is so much more growth to come in our midfield, with Jack Lonie Jack Billings and Jack Sinclair only pinch-hitting in there this year,” he said.
“We’re really excited about the last quarter of the season and then another strong pre-season in which we can improve and grow even further.”
Join David Armitage for a live Twitter chat on Thursday afternoon at 4.45pm. Use the hashtag #ArvoWithArmo.
The person who sends in the best tweet will receive two change room passes to meet Armitage following this Sunday's game against Fremantle.
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