Despite having been as low as sixth in the Aviva Premiership table at times this season, the Saints find themselves at Twickenham after becoming the first team to win at Saracens' Allianz Park a fortnight ago.
And with many people doubting the team at times during the campaign, not to mention a firm underdog status going into Saturday's clash against Leicester, Hartley says that he will be leading out a Saints team determined to show why they deserve a place in English club rugby's showpiece occasion.
"We've been through heartache and disappointment in recent years as well as our good times, and games like the Aviva Premiership semi-finals and at the Millennium Stadium are massive motivators for us," he told SaintsTV. "Fans and players alike all suffer the disappointments, so hopefully this weekend we can give ourselves something to celebrate instead.
"For 80 minutes we've got the opportunity to play for a major trophy. We've never been to an Aviva Premiership Final, and despite all the ups and downs, and many people saying things about us and doubting us, we're here and will be doing everything we can to bring home the trophy."
NORTHAMPTON SAINTS TEAM TO PLAY LEICESTER
Aviva Premiership Rugby Final
Twickenham
Saturday, May 25th, 2013
Kick off 3:00pm
15 Ben FODEN
14 Ken PISI
13 James WILSON
12 Luther BURRELL
11 Jamie ELLIOTT
10 Stephen MYLER
9 Lee DICKSON
1 Soane TONGA'UIHA
2 Dylan HARTLEY (capt)
3 Brian MUJATI
4 Courtney LAWES
5 Christian DAY
7 Tom WOOD
8 Samu MANOA
Replacements
16 Mike HAYWOOD
17 Alex WALLER
18 Tom MERCEY
19 Ben NUTLEY
20 GJ VAN VELZE
21 Martin ROBERTS
22 Ryan LAMB
23 George PISI
