St Kilda midfielder and small forward David Armitage said he’s happy to be back at the football club and feels in great condition heading into pre-season training.

The Saints 3-7 year players returned to the Club last Wednesday, with Armitage outlining that the new coaching staff hadn’t wasted any time in putting the players to work.

“We’ve hit the gym really hard and done plenty of running,” Armitage told saints.com.au.

“We’ve already begun practicing what we’ll be trying to implement in games so it’s been good.”

The Saints will take a new look football department into season 2012 with a number of key coaching appointments; changes that have the playing group very excited according to Armitage.

“There are heaps of new faces around. There’s a really good vibe and I know the boys are really excited and enthusiastic. It’s fresh and exciting.”

Following his most consistent season with the Saints in 2011, the 23-year-old said another full pre-season would help set the foundations for a big year.

“This will be my fifth pre-season and I’m already feeling in pretty good condition.”

“A solid pre-season is really important and I have set personal goals to beat my times and get even fitter,” said Armitage.

With the final tier of St Kilda’s List, (7 year plus players) to join the squad for pre-season training on Wednesday, Armitage outlined the training regime would be stepped up.

“We’ll ramp it up over the next couple of weeks, I can’t wait to get stuck into it.”