He takes over the role from the retired James Meiklejohn as the club prepares for a new era in the SANFL with a fully-integrated football program.
In being named captain, the 26-year-old will hang up his old number 33 jumper for the traditional number one 'captain's guernsey' - a tradition honoured by every captain of the club since the 1930s.
The announcement comes as Main North Renault was confirmed as the Magpies' second joint major partner.
Main North Renault joins as Magpies joint major partner
Summerton joins an illustrious list of players in captaining Port Adelaide in the SANFL, such as multiple premiership coach and captain Fos Williams, nine-time premiership hero Geof Motley, master coach John Cahill, four-time Magarey Medallist Russell Ebert, triple premiership captain Brian Cunningham and cult figures of the eighties and nineties like Russell Johnston, Greg Phillips and Tim Ginever.
A former A.R.McLean Medallist, Summerton is a Port local who made his league debut in 2006 and has since played 137 games.
He will be joined in the senior Magpies leadership group by former Essendon player Henry Slattery, who will be the club's new vice-captain, and talented youngsters Aseri Raikiwasa and Anthony Biemans.
Summerton told portadelaidefc.com.au he is looking forward to captaining the club he had grown up supporting.
"It's a huge honour to captain this team, a real dream come true," Summerton said.
"I've known nothing but black and white growing up, my parents and my family are all big Magpies supporters so it's a real thrill for them as well."
Having committed to the club for three years, Summerton is now focussed on his role as captain and is enjoying being part of a fully integrated football program.
"I signed for three years to secure my future at this club because I don't want to play anywhere else," he said.
"Pre-season has been awesome and it's been the first time it's felt like one club.
"The coaching staff have been very good and the younger guys have been enthusiastic and are keen to get stuck into some proper footy."
Port Adelaide's new look leadership team (L-R) Aseri Raikiwasa, Steven Summerton (captain), Henry Slattery (vice-captain) and Anthony Biemans
Summerton has seen highs and lows during his time with the club, but one constant has been the traditionally large crowds that support the Magpies at Alberton Oval.
He called on supporters to get behind the team in even bigger numbers for the 2014 season and turn Alberton Oval into a black and white fortress.
"We want to get back to playing finals and we'll be doing our best to get the points every week," Summerton said.
"All the boys have put in a huge effort this pre-season and it would be good for them to be rewarded with big crowds at Alberton this year.
"The Maggies have always drawn big crowds but we really want to get them bigger over the next few years - the more the merrier!"
Join as a Magpies home game member and see the League and Academy sides play at Alberton all year round at weareportadelaide.com.au or by calling 1300 GO PAFC (1300 467 232).
Port Adelaide chief executive officer Keith Thomas praised Summerton's leadership since committing to the club.
He told portadelaidefc.com.au Summerton was a worthy man to wear the coveted number one.
“'Summo' has been a leader of our club for many years in the SANFL and is the hardworking footballer our club is famous for producing,” said Mr Thomas.
“He understands what it means to play League footy for Port Adelaide and he understands the importance of the guernsey to our community, which is why he chose to stay with the club this season.
“He will be an excellent captain for this football club in the SANFL and will continue to represent our people with the courage, dignity and humility expected of the Magpies captain."
Summerton will captain Port Adelaide for the first time in the League side's trial game against South Adelaide at Alberton Oval on March 8.
Main North Renault joins as Magpies joint major partner
Summerton joins an illustrious list of players in captaining Port Adelaide in the SANFL, such as multiple premiership coach and captain Fos Williams, nine-time premiership hero Geof Motley, master coach John Cahill, four-time Magarey Medallist Russell Ebert, triple premiership captain Brian Cunningham and cult figures of the eighties and nineties like Russell Johnston, Greg Phillips and Tim Ginever.
A former A.R.McLean Medallist, Summerton is a Port local who made his league debut in 2006 and has since played 137 games.
He will be joined in the senior Magpies leadership group by former Essendon player Henry Slattery, who will be the club's new vice-captain, and talented youngsters Aseri Raikiwasa and Anthony Biemans.
Summerton told portadelaidefc.com.au he is looking forward to captaining the club he had grown up supporting.
"It's a huge honour to captain this team, a real dream come true," Summerton said.
"I've known nothing but black and white growing up, my parents and my family are all big Magpies supporters so it's a real thrill for them as well."
Having committed to the club for three years, Summerton is now focussed on his role as captain and is enjoying being part of a fully integrated football program.
"I signed for three years to secure my future at this club because I don't want to play anywhere else," he said.
"Pre-season has been awesome and it's been the first time it's felt like one club.
"The coaching staff have been very good and the younger guys have been enthusiastic and are keen to get stuck into some proper footy."
Port Adelaide's new look leadership team (L-R) Aseri Raikiwasa, Steven Summerton (captain), Henry Slattery (vice-captain) and Anthony Biemans
Summerton has seen highs and lows during his time with the club, but one constant has been the traditionally large crowds that support the Magpies at Alberton Oval.
He called on supporters to get behind the team in even bigger numbers for the 2014 season and turn Alberton Oval into a black and white fortress.
"We want to get back to playing finals and we'll be doing our best to get the points every week," Summerton said.
"All the boys have put in a huge effort this pre-season and it would be good for them to be rewarded with big crowds at Alberton this year.
"The Maggies have always drawn big crowds but we really want to get them bigger over the next few years - the more the merrier!"
Join as a Magpies home game member and see the League and Academy sides play at Alberton all year round at weareportadelaide.com.au or by calling 1300 GO PAFC (1300 467 232).
Port Adelaide chief executive officer Keith Thomas praised Summerton's leadership since committing to the club.
He told portadelaidefc.com.au Summerton was a worthy man to wear the coveted number one.
“'Summo' has been a leader of our club for many years in the SANFL and is the hardworking footballer our club is famous for producing,” said Mr Thomas.
“He understands what it means to play League footy for Port Adelaide and he understands the importance of the guernsey to our community, which is why he chose to stay with the club this season.
“He will be an excellent captain for this football club in the SANFL and will continue to represent our people with the courage, dignity and humility expected of the Magpies captain."
Summerton will captain Port Adelaide for the first time in the League side's trial game against South Adelaide at Alberton Oval on March 8.
