That is the view of Ben Reid, the Hawk superstar's likely opponent in Hawthorn's blockbuster clash against Collingwood at the MCG on Sunday afternoon.
Franklin has torched the Magpies during his career, kicking 46 goals in 11 games at a rate of 4.18 goals per game. This includes hauls of five goals or more on five separate occasions.
"Buddy's a fantastic player and you've got to try to do as much as possible to stop his influence on the game," Reid said.
When faced with those one-on-one duels, Reid told AFL.com.au it was important for him to lock down on the dangerous Franklin.
"I think you've just got to compete against a guy like him, you've just got to work as hard as possible to try to not give an inch to him," he said.
"You know how dangerous he is when he gets a metre or two on you, you've just got to try to stick by him and make it as tough as possible."
That captain Nick Maxwell will miss the Hawks game with a fractured wrist makes Reid's job even tougher.
Although Maxwell's absence will be felt, Reid said he expects his defensive group to help out when Franklin has the jump on him.
Geelong defender Tom Lonergan's lockdown job on Franklin in the clubs' round one meeting drew plaudits from commentators and fans alike.
The Cats' team defensive structure clogged the Hawthorn forward line and, combined with the pressure of their midfielders, they were able to deny Franklin access to the ball in dangerous areas on the ground.
Reid said it all came down to how well the Pies stopped the source of supply and the number of turnovers his teammates created further afield.
"A lot of it comes down to the guys around you. Hopefully all of our midfielders and forwards are putting on pressure further up the field and making the ball come in long like Geelong were doing to Hawthorn," he said.
Ben Guthrie is a reporter for AFL.com.au. Follow him on Twitter @AFL_BenGuthrie
