DAVID Armitage wants to become St Kilda's next captain.
Nick Riewoldt has been skipper for 11 of the 16 years of his career and the Saints believe the best decision for the club is to appoint a new leader in 2017.
Riewoldt, 33, is contracted for next year and has enjoyed a fine season, ranking first in the competition for marks and having booted 32 goals while playing on a wing.
Armitage, who joined the leadership group in 2013, said he wanted to take the captaincy baton from Riewoldt.
"(You) certainly put your hand up," he said.
The Queenslander, who brings up his 150th career game against the Brisbane Lions on Sunday afternoon at Etihad Stadium, said he possessed the necessary traits.
"I'm pretty approachable for all the young guys, and my main trait is I lead by example, the way I attack the footy and the man," he said.
"You've got to look after your own backyard first in the way you play.
"Then it's about challenging what you want to stand for, and that's probably the area I need to improve on the most, as well as being compassionate and show lots of care, but I think I do that reasonably well."
The 28-year-old's form has been inconsistent after an injury-hampered season.
A breakout 2015 saw him average 28 disposals per game, but that number has dipped to 21 this season.
"I've been OK. Had some really good games, had some … below average games," he said.
"I've had a few little niggles going on – everyone does – so you're not always 100 per cent fit.
"You try and get as close to 100 per cent as you can each week but I just haven't been there in a few games this year."
Victory against the Lions would bring the Saints' tally to 12, following six wins and a draw in 2015.
After showing significant improvement, Armitage expects his side should be able to take another step in 2017 and make the top eight.
"If it was a personal goal, you'd probably think so but you've got to take every week as it comes," he said
"Clearly 12 wins or 11 wins, you'd want to improve again on that, so if that means finals, then great, we'll take that."
