RETURNING St Kilda tough nut David Armitage has impressed in his VFL return after two bouts of groin surgery, with a round 21 senior appearance against Melbourne on the cards.

Armitage picked up 21 disposals from 60 minutes of game time and laid three tackles against Geelong at Simonds Stadium on Saturday afternoon, before sitting out the final term. 

It wasn't all good news for the Saints, with Nathan Freeman having suffered what looks like a rolled ankle. 

The former Magpie will be assessed during the week. 

Armitage told Channel Seven after the game he hoped to be back for the final three matches of the season. 

"The plan today was to play 60 minutes through three quarters and then I had to go outside and do a bit of a run," Armitage said. 

"Next week, I'll play probably 80 minutes and then a full game, and then hopefully see how the boys are travelling, and then they might see me back for the last three. 

"That's the plan, but fingers crossed I can just get through these next two and then I should be match fit." 

Armitage, 29, played for the senior side in the Saints' season opener against Melbourne, took a couple of weeks off and returned for the win against Collingwood in round four. 

However, he pulled up sore and went in for adductor release surgery.