In early January, Herrington - who turns 19 on Saturday - was lining up for Brisbane Roar in a 3-0 A-League defeat at the hands of Wellington.
Fast forward to September and he has enjoyed a successful spell with MLS side Colorado Rapids, excelled at the World Cup and become the most-expensive Australian soccer player of all time courtesy of a transfer to Premier League newcomers Hull City in a deal worth more than STG17 million ($A33m).
"I'm just trying to be an inspiration for all the young Australians that there is really a pathway to the Premier League," he said.
"A lot of young footballers in Australia, like me, wake up at all hours in the morning to watch the Premier League.
"Hopefully, I can make them proud, make Australia proud, and just show … there is a pathway: keep working hard, enjoy the process, and have big dreams because dreams do come true."
Herrington's breakout year has included earning praise from Swedish legend Zlatan Ibrahimovic, having the courage to step up for a crucial penalty shootout and helping Hull to a bookie-bashing 2-0 opening-day EPL victory over Manchester United.
"A lot has happened since the World Cup," Herrington said of his whirlwind 2026.
"(The Premier League) is probably the best league in the world, so to be here at 18 is super special.
"It was only a week and a couple of days from when I landed to (playing) that game against Man United.
"(It) doesn't get much better than that - hopefully (there's) many more of those opportunities to come."
Herrington's calm, composed performances in Australia's defence at the World Cup - he became the Socceroos' youngest-ever starter in the tournament when he lined up against Paraguay in the group stage - put him firmly in the shop window.
Hearts broke across the nation when his shootout effort against Egypt in the round of 32 cannoned off the crossbar, sending the Socceroos out after Harry Souttar had also missed his spot-kick.
But his courage earned plenty of praise from former Milan, Barcelona, PSG and Manchester United superstar Ibrahimovic.
"It meant a lot to me," Herrington said. "He doesn't always compliment people, so to hear that from him was super special.
"His message was just to go and have fun and don't fear anything."
While his World Cup showings sparked interest from giants including Liverpool and Barcelona - Herrington said his focus was solely on the World Cup during the talks - the teenager insists he still has plenty to learn, despite being the only Australian currently playing in the top flight of English football.
"My parents have always instilled that factor of humility in my life and having that humbleness to stay grounded and keep working hard," he said.
"I'm still only 18, so I've got a lot to work on, a lot to improve on."
Socceroos teammates including Nestory Irankunda (Sporting Lisbon), Alessandro Circati (Benfica) and Cam Devlin (Rangers) have also earned high-profile moves since the World Cup, with Herrington hoping the group can be at the vanguard of a new golden generation for the Socceroos.
"A lot of the boys put in such great performances at the World Cup," he said.
"To see those pay off for them, it's great for the country, great for the national team, and it's great for them.
"The more players we have playing these top leagues around Europe the stronger our national team will be, and the better we can represent the country."
