LANCE Franklin will front the media on Monday ostensibly to talk about this Friday night's Indigenous All-Stars match against Richmond, but most of the questions on reporters' minds will centre on the Hawthorn superstar's uncertain football future.

Franklin has not spoken publicly since Hawthorn announced on Saturday that the restricted free agent had put off contract talks with the club until the end of this season.

The announcement came as a surprise after Franklin's manager, Liam Pickering of Strategic Management, said late last year he expected his client to re-sign with the Hawks sooner rather than later.

So when Franklin joins Richmond captain Trent Cotchin at AFL House at 2pm on Monday he is certain to find a packed Mike Sheahan Media Centre. And when the floor is opened up he is equally certain to face a barrage of questions touching on where he'll be next season.

Franklin will need to be patient. On Monday – and for the rest of the year.

Because, unless he changes his mind and re-signs with the Hawks before the end of the season, Monday's press conference will only be the start of the Buddy inquisition.

Nick Bowen is a reporter with AFL.com.au. Follow him on Twitter: @AFL_Media