Few players have captured the hearts of the Collingwood Army as much as Alan Didak.

He was entertaining, unpredictable and at times magical. And now he is a Life Member.

Didak’s career is not one you can summarise in a single sentence or summary. It contained ups and downs and numerous examples of brilliance.

While some players burst onto the AFL scene with authority, the boy from Port Adelaide in the SANFL took more of a gradual approach to stardom.

After being taken with Collingwood’s first pick in the 2000 National Draft, Didak played five games and averaged just 5.6 disposals in his debut season.

He became a regular in the Mick Malthouse-led side the following season, with his rats tail and Black and White mouthguard quickly winning over thousands of fans.

Just 24 games into his career Didak played the on the biggest stage of his 19-year-old life as he took the field in the Grand Final against Brisbane.

Four more Grand Finals would follow for the dangerous goal-sneak, with a replay against St Kilda after the drawn Grand Final in 2010 clearly the most memorable.

Didak had the ball in his hands as the final siren sounded. He turned to the crowd to deliver a trademark shimmy and refused to let go of the Sherrin as he celebrated with teammates.

Like most players who suffer hurdles at some stage of their careers, Didak’s time in the Black and White wasn’t always as rosy as his incredible highlights reel would suggest.

Injury hampered his ability to stay on the ground at times, with knee, abductor and other health concerns, as well as suspension, forcing Didak to miss significant chunks of football during the prime of his career.

However what cannot be questioned was the livewire’s ability to emphatically respond to adversity.

He won the 2006 Copeland Trophy after a 2005 campaign that was decimated by knee and heart problems. Two years later Didak responded to a club-enforced suspension by posting what was arguably one of his best seasons at the club.

The then 26-year-old averaged a career-high 25.5 disposals in a 20-game season which was considered unlucky not to receive All-Australian selection.

It was an honour that Didak had received before and would do so again in 2010. He combined two All-Australian honours with a Coleman Trophy (2006) and Gordon Coventry Trophy for Collingwood’s leading goalkicker (2010).

Now Alan Didak can add Life Member his list of accolades. Forever a favourite in the hearts of the Magpie faithful, he will now forever be listed alongside Collingwood’s great individuals.