The most imposing scoring force in the AFL will celebrate his 26th birthday on Wednesday with another accolade in his growing list of achievements as captain of the Indigenous All-Stars Team.
Franklin will lead a highly talented Aboriginal team against Richmond in Alice Springs on Friday February 8.
One of the AFL's biggest stars and drawcards enters the final year of his contract and will be a free agent at the end of the season with substantial offers tipped to pour in to lure Franklin away from Hawthorn.
He is also a prime mover in the Hawks premiership bid after losing last year's title play-off by two goals to Sydney in September and entering the new flag race as outright favourites.
The AFL announced Franklin as Indigenous All-Stars skipper on Tuesday for the clash at Traeger Park when a host of the game's most talented Indigenous stars will play.
Franklin welcomed his appointment.
The 2008 Hawks premiership hero, dual Coleman medallist and four-times All-Australian says he is proud to captain the All-Stars for a first time.
"The Indigenous All Stars match is a really important event as it recognises the Indigenous Australians' contribution to the national competition," Franklin said.
"It's a chance for some of the best Indigenous talent from across the country to play together."
Michael O’Loughlin will coach the All-Stars with Roger Hayden, Adam Goodes and Shaun Burgyone as assistants.
The match will follow the annual AFL Players’ Association Indigenous Camp in Alice Springs from February 5 -7.
The three-day camp will bring together 60 Indigenous AFL players and will include an Indigenous leadership program and community visits.
All players attending the AFLPA Indigenous camp will be eligible to push for selection in the final All-Stars squad which will take on Richmond.
Richmond will head to Alice Springs on February 6 to conduct its Australia Post AFL Community Camp ahead of the match.
The Indigenous All-Stars will also perform their War Cry before the game commences.