Fresh faced at Victoria Park after arriving at the end of 2000 and celebrating in what would become trademark fashion after goaling with his first kick in league football against the Kangaroos on Mother's Day, 2001.
Coach Mick Malthouse congratulates Didak after playing in his first official match for the club against West Coast in the second round of the 2001 Ansett Cup at Subiaco Oval.
"...onto Didak, he loves a goal. Can he get onto the left boot - he can! Around the body...woooaaaahhhhhh!! Reality...is...true! They are home, and they are into the Grand Final! The dream is becoming reality for the Pies and I am getting rattled, because Huddo, I think they are there!" - Channel 10 commentator Peter Daicos calls Didak's sealer against Adelaide in the 2002 Preliminary Final.
President Eddie McGuire, coach Mick Malthouse and young star Alan Didak ponder the nine-point loss to Brisbane in the 2002 Grand Final.
Didak announced that he was set to arrive when he began the 2003 Wizard Cup with a four goal haul against Carlton.
Trademark Didak. Round two, 2003 v Carlton.
With the 2003 Qualifying Final against the Lions well and truly on the line halfway through the final quarter, who stood up? Alan Didak. Dids kicked two pearlers from tight on the boundary line on the wrong side for a left footer and in doing so booked his Magpies a ticket to the Preliminary Final.
"...driving ball forward DI-DAAAK! WHAT A HANG!" - Channel Nine's Brian Taylor calls Dids' screamer over Essendon's Andrew Welsh on ANZAC Day 2004.
Didak (pictured with coach Garry Lyon and Sydney's Jude Bolton) represented Australia in the 2004 International Rules Series in Ireland.
When he was on song, such as this night in round 11, 2005, when he kicked an equal career-high five goals, Didak could make grown men cry.
Nathan Buckley and Didak celebrate the win over Port Adelaide in round 14, 2005. It was Collingwood's last win of the season.
Club trainers Rohan Bownds and Col Arnell help Didak from the field early in the match against the Kangaroos in round 19, 2005. He didn't play again until the following year.
In 2006, Didak was entering his prime, playing as a high half forward who took turns in the midfield. He kicked an equal career-high 41 goals and won the Copeland Trophy.
Former Magpie Heath Scotland didn't see this one coming. Didak floored his ex-teammate in the centre of the MCG during a feisty round 21 encounter with the Bluebaggers. Didak was free to play in the finals after escaping a sanction from the Match Review Panel.
Didak missed much of the 2006/2007 pre-season after undergoing knee surgery but certainly celebrated this goal against the Hawks in round 13 with a real flourish.
The 2007 Semi-Final win against the Eagles in extra-time at Subiaco Oval was perhaps Didak's finest hour. He won 27 possessions and kicked two crucial goals to help the Magpies level the scores at full time before running away with the win in extra time.
Only Didak could kick a goal like this with one arm held by Geelong champion Corey Enright. It was one of the many highlights of the famous 2007 Preliminary Final.
Didak on the fly circa ANZAC Day 2008.
Didak gathers the loose ball against Hawthorn in round 18, 2008. Fans wouldn't see Dids again until 2009 after he and Heath Shaw were suspended for an off-field misdemeanor following the loss to the Hawks.
Back on the park and back to his best - Didak celebrates a goal against the Demons on the Queen's Birthday, 2009.
Didak celebrates a career-high 39 possessions with Paul Medhurst against Fremantle in round 13, 2009.
Willing the ball back through the big sticks against the Western Bulldogs in round one, 2010.
At the peak of his powers. Didak celebrates with the fans after kicking a 60m torpedo against Carlton in round 18, 2010.
Tangling with Gary Ablett Junior during the 2010 Preliminary Final.
Colliding with Zac Dawson in the drawn 2010 Grand Final.
The moment Collingwood fans knew the premiership was theirs: Didak smothers Jason Blake's kick and then floats one through on his non-preferred right boot. Cue the shimmy, cue wild celebrations.
Celebrating with the Prez.
A premiership champion at last.
The Rat Pack celebrates in the rooms after the premiership.
Injuries begin to take a toll in 2011.
Chaired off by Chris Dawes and Harry O'Brien after playing his 200th game in the lucky escape against West Coast in the 2011 Qualifying Final.
As flat as a tack after the loss to Geelong in the 2011 Grand Final.
The ups and downs of 2012: Goaling on return against Brisbane; tearing his adductor against Melbourne.
Giving his all in the VFL against North Ballarat in round one, 2013.
Mobbed by his teammates after goaling during his comeback against West Coast in round 22, 2013.
The end of the road. Didak and Lachlan Keeffe acknowledge the loss to Port Adelaide in last Saturday's Elimination Final.
One last shimmy from the great entertainer. Alan Didak's career has been anything but dull. Thanks for all the memories, Dids. Floreat Pica.
