Essendon utility Nathan Lovett-Murray has been named captain of the Indigenous All-Stars side who are set to take on Richmond this Friday night at Traeger Park in Alice Springs.

Lovett-Murray replaces Hawthorn forward Lance Franklin as captain, who has been sidelined with a calf injury.

The squad of 40 indigenous players started their three-day camp in Alice Springs on Tuesday, which will involve a leadership program and community visits.

The Essendon star said he was honoured to accept the captaincy.

“I’m really proud to accept the captaincy and not only to represent my football club, but my community too,” Lovett-Murray said.

“To be able to go out on the field with my ‘brother boys’ is a really great feeling and I am privileged to be a part of this experience.

The team that faces Richmond on Friday night will be coached by former Sydney Swan Michael O'Loughlin, former Fremantle defender Roger Hayden and current players Adam Goodes and Shaun Burgoyne.

Lovett-Murray said the All-Star team was taking part in skills training along with a number of visits to the wider community.

“We are in the process of training at the moment ahead of the game, just going over our skill sets,” he said.

“We have also been going out to the communities, meeting school children and doing visits as well as superclinics.

“I’ve been impressed by a lot of the older guys in the side, like Aaron Davey (Melbourne) and Graham Johncock (Adelaide). Watching those guys and the way they go about their football and training has been really pleasing.

“We’re now focused on Friday night’s game against Richmond.”