After joining the Red & Black in July 2016, the towering centre-back soon developed into an important part of the Wanderers defence, going on to make 21 appearances across all competitions last season.

The 31-year-old also netted a double, his first goals for the club, in Round 25 against Newcastle Jets. 

A fan favourite both on and off the field, Cornthwaite will become the fourth captain in the club’s history following Michael Beauchamp, Nikolai Topor-Stanley and Dimas Delgado.

Cornthwaite said it is an honour for him to be donning the armband for the Wanderers in the 2017/18 season. 

"Obviously, the overwhelming feeling is pride," Cornthwaite said. 

"I'm very proud and very honoured to be given the opportunity to lead such a wonderful and very successful club.  

“It’s not a job I take lightly and I’m really looking forward to the challenges but also helping to do whatever I can to make everyone better and hopefully have a very successful season.”

Cornthwaite will have the opportunity to lead out the team for the first time as captain in tomorrow night’s clash with Arsenal FC at ANZ Stadium.

Tony Popovic has named a 21-man squad for the match against the FA Cup winners. 

Marquee striker Oriol Riera is among those named while a number of players from the Wanderers youth side will get the chance to feature against the English Premier League giants.