After moving from Canberra to Perth as a child, Armfield spent all his junior years playing rugby union,[1] where, among his duties, he was his team's designated place-kicker.

He was noted for his fast pace and quick acceleration, and a strong tackling style remnant from his rugby union background.

[4] In 2015, Armfield was recognised for his work as an ambassador and weekly volunteer for Odyssey House Drug and Rehabilitation Centre as well as his regular contributions to the Carlton Football Club’s community programs at the Royal Children’s Hospital and Parkville Juvenile Justice Centre.

For these efforts, he received the Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award and a $20,000 donation to the charity of his choice.

[6] Despite the position, a drop-off in form saw him play only five games for the season, and he retired from the AFL at the end of the year.