Alan Didak
Alan Didak (born 15 February 1983) is a professional Australian rules footballer of Croatian descent[1] playing for the Collingwood Football Club in the Australian Football League.
Early life
Alan Didak played in the SANFL seniors with Port Adelaide at 17 years of age. He was the captain of the Under 18 Australian International rules football in the junior International Rules Series against Ireland.
AFL career
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; scoring 10 touches and 1 goal. He played five games in total in 2001.
In 2002, Didak earned an AFL Rising Star nomination.[2]
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 niggles since the mid-year break he was suspended in Round 14 for two matches and returning from that he injured an ankle. The next week he returned he lasted only 20 minutes, when he suddenly fainted on the ground with an irregular heart beat.[3]
In 2006 Didak was awarded the Copeland Trophy as the best and fairest Collingwood player for 2006.[4]
Personal life
In late June 2007, it was revealed that Didak had met with Christopher Hudson, the self-confessed shooter in the 2007 Melbourne CBD shootings days before the shootings took place. According to police, Didak left the Spearmint Rhino with Hudson, where Hudson then allegedly fired random shots before travelling to the Hells Angels' East County Chapter headquarters in Campbellfield. Police believe that Didak was later dropped off near Southbank after the shooting incidents about 6.00am.[5]
On 3 August 2008, Didak was a passenger in a car being driven by intoxicated teammate Heath Shaw which collided with another parked car. Both men initially denied that Didak was in any way involved. However, witness accounts to the incident identified him and, on 4 August 2008, both men were imposed with sanctions[clarification needed] over the deception.[6]
References
- ^ Saltau, Chloe (September 18, 2003). "Didak gives Pie fans plenty". The Age.
- ^ Francis Leach, 23 July 2002. "Didak: black, white and a Rising Star" AFL.com.au, Retrieved on August 2, 2009
- ^ August 9, 2005. "Didak set to miss rest of AFL season"
- ^ Kate Uebergang, November 9, 2006. "Alan Didak charge dropped". Herald Sun, Retrieved on August 2, 2009
- ^ Magpie star regrets night out with accused CBD killer – National – theage.com.au
- ^ "Heath Shaw Lied, Didak Was Car Passenger, Collingwood To Review Sanction". Die Hard Footy. August 4, 2008.
External links
- Alan Didak's profile on the official website of the Collingwood Football Club
- Alan Didak's playing statistics from AFL Tables
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