Stanton replaces Jobe Watson in the role after Watson suffered a broken collarbone against Port Adelaide that will see him miss at least the next month.
Coach James Hird said on Friday the honour of captaining the red and black should not be underestimated.
"Being the captain of the Essendon Football Club, even if it's for one, two or three games, is a very big privilege and the players should get some sort of say on it," Hird said.
