COLLINGWOOD forward Alan Didak has breathed new life into his football career this season and admits he is finally committed to making football his number one priority.

The 26-year-old has had a chequered off-field record, which has often overshadowed his feats on the field, but according to Didak that is all behind him now.

“In previous years I was probably 30 per cent footy and 70 per cent enjoying my time with my mates and family and not too worried about footy,” Didak said at the Lexus Centre on Thursday.

“But now it’s probably the other way around. I really am at a stage where I want to be a full-time footballer, I’ve worked hard on a few areas and it’s starting to pay off.”

Didak, who plays his 150th game on Friday night against Carlton, admitted his career was on the line after he was suspended by the club last August, for his part in a much publicised drink-driving incident with teammate Heath Shaw.

“Early on I probably thought my time was up at Collingwood, but ... I worked hard on a few areas and I spoke to the club at the end of the season and they were keen to keep me on,” Didak said.

“I’ve been here for nine seasons now and I’ve had some downs, but I’ve also had some ups. I knew that if I was really keen to stay at Collingwood after the bad times, it was up to me. I think I really showed in pre-season that I want to be here and the club were keen to keep me here.”

Since returning from a hamstring injury that saw him sidelined for five weeks, Didak has enjoyed some red-hot form, averaging around 25 disposals a game over the last six weeks.

The forward, who has recently been moved by coach Mick Malthouse into the midfield, attributed his form turnaround to an improvement in fitness and the luxury of a full pre-season.

“I’ve had my first full pre-season,” Didak admitted. “I’ve just become more professional as a footballer. I’ve taken that into the season and am reaping the rewards now.

“Sometimes you just cruise through training and you don’t try too hard. But I’ve always been a hard worker and after having nine pre-seasons I’ve finally got to the stage where I’m really fit and I can run out four quarters of the game.

“In previous years I would play half-forward and every now and then do something alright but I’ve finally got to the stage where I can run hard for four quarters.”

Didak also acknowledged the role that Malthouse had played in his career so far.

“He’s been great from the first day I walked in to Vic Park. He’s a father-figure to me and has been very supportive on and off the field.”