Everyone at St Kilda has been through enough heartache to never take any AFL final for granted, but David Armitage has an even tougher perspective.

The 23-year-old is in the lineup for Saturday night's elimination final against Sydney at Etihad Stadium, his first finals match since 2008.

Armitage was an emergency for the 2009 grand final, while a knee injury last year ruined his chances of breaking into the senior side for the finals series.

He had to watch as the Saints narrowly lost the 2009 grand final, drew last year's grand final and then lost badly in the replay.

Adding to the significance of Saturday night's match is it will also be his 50th milestone.

"I'm pretty pumped - before I was drafted, I didn't think it would happen and to play 50, it's a pretty good milestone, I'm proud of it," he said.

"Now it steps up a notch, the crowds are bigger, a lot more noise and lot more to play for.

"I'm definitely looking forward to play a part in that."

Armitage was suspended for the round-24 win over Carlton, but was recalled at the expense of ruckman Michael Gardiner for this weekend.

He started the season in the midfield, but as the Saints' form improved over the last few weeks Armitage has played as a small forward.

"He's been able to apply his football strengths in a different role for the team," said Saints forward coach Adam Kingsley.

"(It's) terrific selflessness to be able to change and he's played a really key role, in being able to press around the stoppages.

"He has physical weapons that allow him to release hard speed and endurance and he's very tough over the ball."

While the round-22 loss to Sydney will give the Saints bad memories ahead of Saturday night's game, Kingsley pointed to that match as an example of what Armitage has given the team in attack.

Kingsley said Armitage's tackling pressure and forward pressure had been crucial early in the clash.

The move into attack has given Armitage a close-up look at fellow small forward Stephen Milne, who has earned selection in the initial All-Australian squad with a superb season.

Milne proved his worth again in the third term of last Saturday night's win over Carlton, when he kicked a freakish goal at a critical point in the game.

"When he gets it and he's anywhere near goal, he's a dead-eye Dick, he's amazing from the boundary or anywhere, so why wouldn't you put it in your hands," Armitage said.

"That was a freakish goal - that's the kind of stuff he can do, he's fantastic with that kind of stuff."

While the Saints have stars such as Milne, the Swans have Adam Goodes, who has hit peak form heading into the finals.

Armitage is confident ahead of Saturday night, but admits Goodes is a massive danger.

"He's unbelievable - playing against him, he's a huge man, he's actually quite big and he's so quick," Armitage said.

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