 Franklin was held goalless for only the second time that year in the elimination final loss to Greater Western Sydney as he dealt with a hip problem.His total of 57 goals for the year was his second-lowest in a season since 2006, however he still averaged the most goals per game during the home-and-away season.Franklin was named as captain in the 2018 All-Australian team, which was also his fifth selection at centre half-forward, third in succession and record-equalling eighth overall; this was despite missing four games and hardly being able to train due to injury, which Franklin described as being "frustrating".