Sinnott, an opening batsman, crossed from Grassmere Cricket Association club Yambuk to the Warrnambool and District division two side last summer.

The Saints – who had been bottom of the Hopkins conference ladder just three summers ago – made their second consecutive semi-final appearance, and now their new leader is keen to go a step further in the 2017-18 season.

“From last year, we were semi-finalists in the two-dayers … (and) if we can improve on last year, that’s the ultimate goal: winning the two-dayers and moving up to division one,” Sinnott said.

“It’s good to be playing one-day and T20 – it’s good to go well in that – but two-dayers (are the main focus).”

Former Saints captain Aaron Moyne is staying on with the team, but stepping back from leadership duties this season.

Sinnott, 22, was assistant coach last summer, and has also coached under 17 and under 13 teams.

He said Koroit, which will don new short-form shirts this season, has a few recruits “in the pipelines”, and is backing the playing group’s bowling to be its strength.