Alan Didak | |||
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Didak playing for Collingwood in 2006
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Personal information | |||
Full name | Alan Didak | ||
Date of birth | 15 February 1983 | ||
Place of birth | Whyalla, South Australia | ||
Original team(s) | Port Adelaide (SANFL) | ||
Draft | No. 3, 2000 National Draft, Collingwood | ||
Height / weight | 184cm / 85kg | ||
Position(s) | Forward / Midfielder | ||
Playing career1 | |||
Years | Club | Games (Goals) | |
2001–2013 | Collingwood | 218 (274) | |
International team honours | |||
Years | Team | Games (Goals) | |
2004 | Australia | 2 | |
1 Playing statistics correct to the end of 2013.
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Career highlights | |||
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Sources: AFL Tables, AustralianFootball.com |
Alan Didak (born 15 February 1983) is a professional Australian rules footballer of Croatian descent who played for the Collingwood Football Club in the Australian Football League.
Originally from Whyalla, South Australia, Didak made his South Australian National Football League (SANFL) senior debut for Port Adelaide Football Club aged 17 years. He was the captain of the Under 18 Australian International rules football in the junior International Rules Series against Ireland.
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 and kicking one goal. 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 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.