David Armitage linked with move from VAFA to MPNFL

The former St Kilda left-footer joined VAFA power Collegians ahead of 2020 but the Lions are bracing to lose him without him playing a game. He’s being linked with Bonbeach in the MPNFL.

David Armitage celebrates a goal for the Saints.

VAFA power Collegians could lose marquee recruit David Armitage without him playing a game of amateur football.

Coming off a fine career with St Kilda, Armitage linked with the Lions for the 2020 season that never was.

The club helped arrange employment for him in the real estate industry, where he is based in the south-east.

But there is speculation Armitage will part ways with Collegians and join Mornington Peninsula Nepean club Bonbeach.

His recruitment would be a lifter for Bonbeach, which has appointed former Sandringham coach Adrian Connolly.

Connolly is looking to guide the Sharks to their first senior premiership since 1984.

David Armitage playing for the Saints in 2018.

Bonbeach president Paul Smith confirmed the club had spoken to Armitage.

“We’d be mad not to,’’ he said.

“We spoke to David a couple of weeks ago and we’ve just been having some chats, so we’re hoping.’’

It’s believed Southern club Mordialloc has also had a dip at Armitage, who lives in the Parkdale area.

Recruited from Mackay, Armitage had a fine career with the Saints, playing 169 AFL games from 2007-19 and finishing runner-up in the best and fairest in 2015.

His

He was among a long list of former AFL players which linked with VAFA clubs ahead of 2020.

The Lions had also nabbed former Hawthorn defender and Box Hill Hawks captain David Mirra and former North Melbourne and Essendon player Alex Morgan.

Mirra and Morgan are locked in for 2021 to play under new Collegians coach Jared Rivers.

It’s understood the Lions are in talks with at least three former AFL players.