Nick's Collingwood Page - The Players

CULT FIGURE: Alan Didak

Collingwood Cult Figures: Alan Didak

Alan Didak is one of the biggest cult figures to play in the black and white colours for a long time. His arrival to Collingwood even sparked a website called alandidak.com, dedicated solely to Didak. That website has a annual medal presented, called the ‘Didak Medal’, which is given to the best player every year. No surprises to see who wins it each year. Although, Nathan Buckley did tie for the award last year.

Didak originally played for a team called Pooraka in S.A.A.F.L., before progressing up the ranks. He was then given a scholarship to the Australian Institute of Sport AFL Academy, where he played in several Under-17 International Rules games against Ireland. He also captained the Australian squad. On top of this, he was also given the captaincy for the South Australian Under 18 team. Theses accolades are potentially an indication of Dids’ leadership abilities, a role he may fulfill at Collingwood in the future.

Collingwood picked him up at number 3 in the 2000 National Draft, where he was considered the best midfielder on offer. Didak came to Collingwood after playing for the Port Adelaide Magpies in the SANFL. He was a ready-made Pie.

Didak made his debut in 2001. Didak, or “Dids”, as the magpie faithful often refer to him, played five games in his first season with the Pies in 2001. Dids came to Collingwood as a highly touted and skillful footballer, with excellent evasive skills, and an uncanny resemblance in body shape to former Collingwood great, Peter Daicos. This had some touting him as the next Daicos, comments that were made perhaps a little too early in his career. Nevertheless, Dids impressed many Pie supporters with his long sweeping kicks, and goal sense, which made him a favourite in the eyes of Collingwood supporters.

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2004 Player Profile: Alan Didak

2004 Player Profile: Alan Didak - Johnson#26

Drafted at pick number three at the National Draft, Didak was a player who wet all Magpie supporters appetites at the sight of him swinging on to his famous left boot. After scoring a goal with his first kick, Didak showed class in his first season after being used mainly as a half forward flanker.
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