There are plenty of concerns for the rebuilding Saints.
They slumped to 16th last year and sacked coach Scott Watters at the start of November.
They lost Nick Dal Santo to North Melbourne under free agency only a year after fellow star Brendon Goddard took the same path to Essendon.
The three key off-field figures at the club - president Peter Summers, chief executive Matt Finnis and coach Alan Richardson - are all new.
They they will go into the March 22 season-opener against Melbourne without key onballers Lenny Hayes and Leigh Montagna, who are suspended.
And best-and-fairest winner Jack Steven, another midfielder, is out of the side for at least two months with a fractured foot.
Speaking at Monday's club family day, Armitage said despite their many problems the Saints remained resolute.
"That's external stuff and if you read the papers, I was just flicking through earlier and saw a lot of wooden spoons (predicted for us)," he said.
"It stings a little bit but that's reality and where we're at.
"Last year doesn't help but we'll try to win as many games as we can and keep improving.
"Certainly, we'll surprise some teams ... you obviously want to try that little bit harder and try to prove them (pundits) wrong."
At 92 games, Armitage is one of only 13 players on the Saints list who have had 50 or more senior matches.
It means added responsibility for him in the midfield on March 22 when St Kilda open their season against the Demons at Etihad Stadium.
"While we're missing Lenny, Jack and Joey (Montagna), obviously we're going to have to step up in that department," Armitage said.
"Whoever goes through there, we're going to trust that they're going to fill their shoes.
"I have to step up as well."
Armitage said Seb Ross and Jack Newnes were two younger players who had shown in the pre-season that they deserved runs through the midfield.
The Saints have lost to the Western Bulldogs, Greater Western Sydney and Port Adelaide in the pre-season, but Armitage said they were disappointed with only two quarters over the three games.
St Kilda play the Giants in round two, meaning they open the season against two opponents who are also widely tipped to finish in the bottom four.
They loom as crucial games that could lift or break the confidence of the young Saints.
"Obviously all clubs want to get off to a good start because it can boost your season," Armitage said.
"We'll be looking to win games and then I suppose anything can happen."
