Midfielder Brent Stanton will captain the side in today’s blockbuster against Collingwood at the MCG.

Stanton will replace acting captain Brendon Goddard who is out through suspension with normal captain Jobe Watson out through injury.

The 28-year-old took over the captaincy last season when Watson missed with a broken collar bone.

A member of the club's seven man leadership group Stanton is highly respected among his peers for his leadership both on and off the field.