TWO STARS of football will put their fledgling captaincy skills to an early-season test on Friday night when Richmond faces the Indigenous All Stars in Alice Springs.

New Tigers skipper Trent Cotchin will lead his team out for the first time, and the 22-year-old's opposite number will be Hawthorn star Lance Franklin, captaining the All Stars in his first appearance for the team.

Franklin has been an honorary captain of the Hawks in Indigenous rounds past, and is looking forward to guiding a largely young and inexperienced line-up.

"To get the opportunity to be captain of the Indigenous side, with some of the players that are going to be playing, to lead them out is an unbelievable experience for myself and for my family and friends," Franklin said on Monday.

"There are a lot of young kids in the squad.

"I see myself as a little bit older now – I've just turned 26 – so I'll be giving a lot of the kids coming through a lot of advice.

"Not necessarily on how to play, but just things away from [football] too."

Cotchin said the increased responsibility of being captain had been an "eye-opener" so far, but he was getting strong support from former skipper Chris Newman.

"I was vice-captain last year, and it's another step forward and upwards," he said.

"There's a little bit more pressure on some of the decisions being made around the club.

"But 'Newy' has been fantastic in his support, but also the club as well – they've been good in guiding me in the right direction."

The Tigers' squad for Friday night's clash was set to be selected late on Monday afternoon, with Cotchin forecasting a blend of youth and experience.

"There will be a good mix of senior players, but we'll also give an opportunity to some young players who have come into the system either this year or over the past couple of years," he said.

"They get an opportunity to play against an All Stars side, so it's going to be exciting for them."

Alongside Franklin, the Indigenous All Stars will feature Carlton goalsneak Eddie Betts, Essendon ruckman Paddy Ryder and experienced Crow Graham Johncock.

But Franklin's Hawks teammates Shaun Burgoyne and Cyril Rioli will be missing, as will Sydney Swans star Adam Goodes.

The Indigenous players will participate in a camp in Alice Springs in the lead-up to the match.

Watch the Indigenous All Stars clash with Richmond live on AFL.com.au from 8.30pm AEDT Friday.