Harrington received the news from coach Chris McLaren that he would be the Saints’ captain for the 2018 season at training on Tuesday night. 

The midfielder, who captained in the absence of inspirational midfielder Isaac Templeton last season, knew the appointment was in the works after discussions with McLaren. 

“We had a chat about a few different ideas about having two captains or one and we decided to just go with the one,” he said.

“It just feels a bit more comfortable as you know who that bloke is instead of having two.”

Harrington said being selected as captain was something he would cherish.

“It’s really good to get appointed and it's an honour to be the captain of my home club,” he said. “I didn't expect when I was a little kid playing juniors that I would lead the club, as a youngster you just go in and try and get a kick, that's all I did.

“You sort of get to a point where your leaders are injured or not there and you have to sort of start taking over, as someone has to do it and it’s something I'm really proud of and hopefully we can go alright this year.”

Harrington praised his predecessor Templeton, a six-time premiership player with the Saints, who recently moved to Warrnambool and District Football Netball League club Nirranda.

“What Tempy (Isaac Templeton) has done for the club in the last few years has put us into a good position and a lot of credit goes to him for the way he has set us up and the way he got the best out of everyone,” he said.

The 28-year-old said he wanted to take his leadership to the next level.

“I definitely want to try and lead by example on and off the field and teach the guys below me,” Harrington said.