The Koroit teenager will captain Hampden's under 18 team against Murray in their interleague showdown at Reid Oval on Saturday.

The achievement comes just eight months after the emerging midfielder played in the Saints' senior premiership.

Warrnambool's James Willsher and North Warrnambool Eagles' Sam McKinnon are McCutcheon's deputies.

McCutcheon, 18, said he was humbled to be anointed skipper.

Hampden coach Joe McLaren rang him yesterday to tell him the exciting news.

"It's a great honour, the biggest honour of my short career," McCutcheon said.

"It means a lot to me, to represent the Hampden league."

McCutcheon, who's worn Bottle Greens' colours at under 14 and under 16 level, said he based his leadership on being inclusive.

He will call on the experience he garnered captaining Koroit as a junior.

"I don't think I am the loudest bloke but I try and lead by example and try and get to know all the players, talk to them as individuals, not just as a team," he said.

McCutcheon said Hampden had assembled a strong under 18 team which was ready to showcase itself on the big stage.

"Some blokes are only 16 but there is a good mix of height, speed and skill," he said.

"We have really good coaches and a really good side.

"A lot of blokes have played senior footy so I think that will hold us in good stead and we've really come together as a side."

McCutcheon made his senior debut for Koroit in 2014.

He played the first six matches before he was omitted but earned a recall in the final round and held his spot throughout the finals campaign. "It was a pretty big thrill really. I just got back into the team before finals started," he said of playing in a Koroit premiership.

"It sunk in over summer a bit. I am very, very lucky. Some blokes go their whole career without playing in one."

McCutcheon's aim this season is simple become a best 21 regular. He's made a strong start, playing in the first five matches.

"I love Koroit. I only live a stone's throw away from the ground," he said.

"I have been pretty happy with my start.

"I had a really good pre-season. Last year I played a few games but was in and out so my main goal is to keep improving and hold my spot."

McCutcheon is Koroit coach Adam Dowie's nephew. He enjoys playing under his uncle, whose football nous is credited with driving the Saints to lofty heights.

"He's had a big impact on me," McCutcheon said.

McCutcheon said the pair had similar traits on the field.

"We're not blessed with the best athletic ability but I think he was really skilful and I work on my skills a lot," he said.

McLaren said choosing a skipper was a difficult task given the high calibre of players in the Bottle Greens squad.

He said selectors anointed McCutcheon because of his achievements at senior level.

"He's really grown as a footballer and as a person in regards to maturity," McLaren said.

"He's come on in leaps and bounds and his footy this year has been fantastic for Koroit."

The under 18 match starts at 10am on Saturday. The senior fixture is scheduled for a 1.30pm bounce down.

justine.mc@fairfaxmedia.com.au