CTV in Arizona > Didak is eyeing the start of the 2009 season

After two weeks in Arizona, Alan Didak has one thing on his mind - round one 2009.

The mercurial forward/midfielder spoke to CTV inside the Northern Arizona University Skydome in Flagstaff as the Magpies’ two-week high altitude training camp entered its final days, and emphasised he is already looking beyond the preseason campaign to the round one clash with Adelaide at the MCG on March 28 next year.

“I don’t think too many players enjoy the preseason, but everyone’s got to do it, you’ve got to get the miles in the legs,” said Didak.

“But the main thing is you’ve got to be ready for round one, so I’m looking forward to that.”

After a controversial 2008 campaign in which the 25-year-old was leading the Copeland Trophy voting before being suspended by the club for the remainder of the season after round 18, Didak has been working extremely hard on developing a good fitness base in Arizona.

“It’s been a pretty tough two-three weeks.

“A lot of long sessions, climbing mountains, down the (grand) canyon, personally it’s a stepping stone to a good preseason.”

The 2006 All Australian has actually been away for longer than most of his teammates, having travelled to Boulder, Colorado a week early to participate in extra training with Ben Reid and Cameron Wood under the watchful eye of assistant coach Brad Scott.

The week in Boulder was organised to give each player a head start on the preseason campaign ahead of what’s been a taxing camp in Flagstaff, with each player having clearly benefited after three weeks of intense training.

Collingwood returns to Melbourne on Wednesday 26 November and will resume regular pre season training at the Lexus Centre the following Monday.