Alan Didak (born 15 February 1983) is a former professional Australian rules footballer of Croatian descent who played for the Collingwood Football Club in the Australian Football League.
Didak was drafted by the Collingwood Football Club with the 3rd pick in the 2000 AFL Draft, and in 2001 he made his AFL debut against the Kangaroos at the Telstra Dome in Round 7, gathering 10 possessions. He became a member of the exclusive club of players to kick a goal with both his first kick and first disposal. He played five games in total in 2001.
In 2002, Didak earned an AFL Rising Star nomination. Didak was an extremely talented small forward and was also very capable in the midfield. He was known for his accurate goal kicking and clutch ability which often saw him likened to club legend Peter Daicos.
In 2003, Didak enjoyed his best season to date. In the Qualifying Final against Premiership favorites the Brisbane Lions, Didak came on in the last quarter and kicked two goals to win the match which remain Collingwood folklore to this day.
In 2005, Didak's season was disrupted by injuries and problems. He had knee surgery during the pre-season, setting him up for his first game on ANZAC Day against Essendon. His injury had an effect upon his performances. Having had minor issues since the mid-year break, he was suspended in Round 14 for two matches and after returning from that, he injured an ankle. When he returned in the next week, he lasted only 20 minutes, before suddenly fainting on the ground with an irregular heart beat.
In 2006 Didak was awarded the Copeland Trophy as the best and fairest Collingwood player for 2006. Didak was awarded All-Australian selection for the first time in his career.
In 2010, Didak enjoyed his career best season, winning the club goalkicking with 41 goals and earning All-Australian selection. Didak placed 4th in the club's Best & Fairest, and was a hero of Collingwood's 15th premiership.
Didak started off 2011 strongly in a dominant Collingwood side; however, he began to succumb to injuries, which became a common theme until he was delisted at the end of the 2013 season after 13 seasons.
AFL Premiership 2010 Collingwood Football Club |
2001-2013 |