2009 season
The 2006 Copeland Trophy winner enjoyed a wonderful season, contributing in 20 games while spending more time in the midfield. Originally drafted as a midfielder from the SANFL, Didak fitted in smoothly to the new role averaging a career-high in disposals (25.5) while not dropping off in front of goal averaging one major a game (2008 averaged 1.3).
In the second half of the season, Didak was confronted with close attention from his opponents, a factor he will have to contend with for the rest of his career. In Round 20 against Richmond, Didak proved he was up to the challenge getting the better of Jake King for the match, collecting 27 disposals and slotting two goals in a match up lasting 97 minutes.
2009 highlights
Round 12 v Sydney: Arguably one of the best performances of the year, Didak collected over 30 possessions for just the second time in his career (34). His ball usage was particularly impressive, disposing it on both sides of his body at 88% efficiency. The win at Telstra Stadium showed the AFL world that Collingwood and Didak were a force to be reckoned with in September.
Round 13 v Fremantle: Didak posted his third straight 30-plus disposal effort with 39 on Saturday afternoon at the MCG. In a big win over Fremantle, Didak polled three Brownlow votes for the second straight week. He also kicked two goals which continued his hot streak of two or more for the fourth consecutive match.
Paul Hudson (assistant forwards coach) says: Another one who had a good purple patch through the middle stages of the year. Had a pretty good year overall as far as statistics go. One thing I found with Didak is because he can play in the midfield and up forward, I was trying to get him to understand the balance with his work rate by being in the midfield. If he is going to be getting kicks at halfback I want him kicking goals as well. I think 20 goals and 12 behinds is average for him. I think he is capable of kicking 30 or 40 goals and it’s that balance he needs to work on.
2009 AFL statistics
| G | K | H | D | M | G | B | T | C |
| 20 | 17.9/68.7% | 7.6/85.5% | 25.5/73.7 | 5.1 | 1.0 | 0.6 | 1.9 | 3.0 |
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