CTV > Watch the Alan Didak interview

Collingwood star Alan Didak has committed to the club until the end of the 2010 season, having signed a new two-year contract this week.

Didak is enjoying a fine season as a midfielder/half forward having played all 15 games and booted 20 goals while averaging 22 touches per outing.

After winning the Copeland Trophy and All Australian honours in 2006, Didak underwent knee surgery at the end of that year and while he was a solid contributor in 2007 on the back of limited preparation, he has returned to his brilliant best in 2008.

He spoke exclusively to CollingwoodTV at the Lexus Centre after inking the new deal.

“I feel pretty good. Probably this time last year I thought my career was at the crossroads, so it’s good to finally get the deal done,” Didak said.

“It’s obviously been a long journey, but a good one so far.

“It takes me to 10 years at the club, and I’ll get life membership after that, so exciting times, and we’re in a good position to be in the finals. We’ve just got to keep winning, and hopefully make the top four and keep going forward.”

Since the middle of 2007, the 25-year-old has been contractually bound to terms and conditions relating to alcohol restrictions and a curfew. Those restrictions no longer apply under the terms of the new contract.

“It’s good to know that with a new contract there are no other conditions that I had implemented last year.

“It’s good that I’m going to be treated like any other individual in the team, and I’m looking forward to the challenge.

“I fully understand I have a responsibility to carry myself in a way that is acceptable to the Collingwood Football Club.”

While the last 12 months have not been easy on Didak, the support he’s received has been instrumental in helping him through.

 “The support’s been fantastic through the club, my friends and family, just been enormous support.

“The last six months have been pretty challenging, I definitely learned to know my friends a lot better.”

Now, with the Magpies sitting fifth on the ladder and eyeing a top-four finish with seven rounds to play, and Didak playing some of the best football of his 135-game career, the game is more fun than ever for the number three pick from the 2000 draft, who’s spending more time in the midfield this season.

“I’m definitely enjoying my footy at the moment, it’s probably been the most enjoyable year to date, and the team’s in a good position to play off in the finals, so we’ve just got to keep winning now and stay in there.

“It (his role in the team) is a different role, it’s more of a high half forward/midfield role.

“Back in ’06 I was sort of a permanent half forward, kicking the goals and setting them up, but this year I’m up the ground, pushing to the stoppages and really striving for that midfield position.”

Didak has gradually been learning to understand and cope with the pressures and scrutiny of AFL football, and as a senior player he is making more of an effort to guide and assist many of Collingwood’s emerging youngsters.

“My first couple of years at the club, you don’t understand the pressures that come with AFL footy, but over time you learn to deal with it. I think being in my eighth season now I understand that.

“It (media) is something that I don’t really enjoy doing, but I understand now, going into my ninth season next year, that I’ll have to do a lot more of it.

“A lot of the older guys are retiring now, so it’s up to me to do a lot of the work, and help the younger guys and teach them.

“I go out of my way to help a lot of the younger guys now, more one-on-one stuff than in front of the group. 

“It’s also good to get on here (CTV), and let the Collingwood fans know that I’ve signed a two-year deal and I’m happy that I’m going to stay for another two years.

“We’ve got a good three months ahead of us now, so hopefully we can get in the finals and win a premiership.”

Collingwood president Eddie McGuire told collingwoodfc.com.au: “The club is delighted Alan has signed a two-year contract. Not only is he one of the key players in our team, he also is a much loved player amongst his team mates and the Magpie Army.

“Alan found himself in difficult circumstances midway through last year, and has shown what self imposed discipline can do for anyone who finds themselves in such a situation.

“Alan maintained all the restrictions on his private life that he committed to in order to remain part of the Collingwood Football Club.

“We believe he has earned our trust and has learned from the experience and shown great self discipline to give us the confidence that Alan can get on with his life free of restriction and be a positive force in all aspects of our club,” McGuire added.

Collingwood chief of football Geoff Walsh echoed McGuire’s feelings upon finalising Didak’s new contract.

“From a football point of view we’re delighted we were able to secure Alan for another two years.

“This signing coincides with Alan being in terrific form, which we’re confident will carry through as we continue to strive for a top four position.”