Franklin has gone goalless in the past two matches - the first time since 2005, his first season, that he has failed to manage a goal in consecutive games.
He is out of contract at the end of this season as a restricted free agent, amid speculation that clubs including Fremantle and Greater Western Sydney will make significant plays for his services.
In a column for Sportsmate, Pickering said the superstar forward had merely come up against two solid opponents.
"All players have games where things just don't happen for them.
"Buddy would be the first to admit he has played better games than against North Melbourne and Adelaide.
"Credit must be given to Scott Thompson and Daniel Talia, who both played very well on him."
Pickering pointed out that Franklin's form leading in to the last two games had shown no signs of distraction.
"Admittedly, his last two weeks ... haven't been his best games, however his form to that point was pretty good," Pickering wrote.
"I'm sure he will bounce back hard this week."
