Smith takes over from long-term skipper Madonna Blyth, who retired as the Hockeyroos' most capped player following another failed Olympics campaign in Rio last year.

Veteran Jane Claxton has been interim captain for the past 10 months, however coach Paul Gaudoin opted for Smith to lead the team into next year's Commonwealth Games and beyond.

Gaudoin said the team had experimented with the use of a leadership group for the best part of a year but admitted the single-captain appointment was a straightforward decision.

"We've had interim leadership groups for tournaments, but we've utilised the year to explore the playing group and see what we really needed," Gaudoin said.

"Emily has shown a consistent approach to her hockey, she's well respected by her peers and her staff, so it was a pretty simple decision in the end.

"She certainly gives her all when she's out on the pitch. We're looking forward to her showing strong leadership and developing her leadership over time too."

With 163 caps and 65 goals against her name, the 25-year-old Smith will be one of the most experienced players in the squad to take on New Zealand and Papua New Guinea in Sydney.

Her selection comes almost six years to the day Smith made her Hockeyroos debut in the same tournament against the Black Sticks in Hobart.

She was also part of the 2012 and 2016 Olympic campaigns.

"I'm excited and honoured to be handed the captaincy," Smith said.

"I'm looking forward to what lay ahead for myself and the team, with a young squad.

“The future is looking bright in Australian hockey so it's going to be an exciting to lead that.

"I've had the opportunity to play under an experienced figure like Madonna Blyth and I've learned from her over the last couple of years.

"I'm going to use all of that experience and draw upon my teammates around me to ensure we're headed in the right direction."

The team heads off to the 2017 Oceania Cup which commences on October 9, 2017.