Armitage lines up Ball spot

ST KILDA coach Ross Lyon says his side can cover Luke Ball’s departure, with several young midfielders waiting in the wings.

The former Saints captain will find a new home at Thursday’s NAB AFL Draft, but Lyon said the Saints had a wealth of talented young on-ballers ready to take his place.

Lyon said he expected several players to improve in 2010, naming David Armitage, Jack Steven, Robert Eddy and Jarryn Geary as the main contenders to take Ball’s place in the Saints’ star-studded midfield.

Armitage would seem the logical replacement for Ball.

While the 21-year-old only played three games for the Saints this year, his work at stoppages and ability to win contested football has his coach expecting big things.

“Armo’s done his apprenticeship. He had a great pre-season last year. He tore his hammy leading into the first pre-season game so it really put him behind,” Lyon said.

 “When he got an opportunity he was best on the ground against Hawthorn in Tassie.

"He is ready to go, a fourth-year player, endurance animal, clearance beast. As disappointed as we are to lose Luke, certainly David is one of those players who can step into that void.”

The Saints spent much of trade week trying to get Ball to Collingwood but the deal fell through because they were not happy with being offered pick 30 for the All-Australian.

Lyon said he expected the Saints’ hard line to be justified on draft day.

“What we’re about to find out at the national draft is Luke Ball - where's he rated? Ask me the question afterwards to see if it was fair and equitable tomorrow.”

The Saints’ first draft selection comes at pick 32 and they will use it to draft the best available talent rather than try to address any particular needs.

Any new recruits will have their work cut out for them cracking into the St Kilda side as it was a fully fit squad that turned up for the first official training session at Moorabbin on Wednesday.

Nine of the 21 remaining grand final players had post-season surgery but all were out on the track.

“A number of ours (surgeries) were shoulders and elbows and those sorts of things - they will all be running today.

"We’re pretty confident we’ll be in good nick but we’ll be judged on our actions.

"There’s no escaping it; 16 teams have got to do the hard work. There’s no easy way to do it.”