It seems that Alan Didak’s AFL career is likely over as Greater Western Sydney has chosen not to extend a contract to the 30-year-old forward for the upcoming season.
Having spent 13 seasons with Collingwood, Didak was delisted following the conclusion of the 2013 campaign; all recent AFL betting tips indicated a potential stint at GWS for him.
Nevertheless, the Greater Western Sydney Giants released a brief statement confirming: “Following media speculation, we can confirm we will not be taking Alan Didak as a delisted free agent or in the preseason draft.”
The Giants are eager to infuse more experience into their youthful roster but have recently faced rejections from two players.
Matthew Scarlett, the former Geelong Cats defender, was approached with an opportunity to make a comeback from retirement to play and help coach the Giants, but he declined.
Since departing Geelong at the end of 2012, Scarlett has been active in the Geelong league with South Barwon.
Another ex-Cats player, Joel Corey, also contemplated joining the Giants in a dual playing/coaching position but ultimately opted to sign with the Western Bulldogs instead.
Didak, a prior All-Australian and best and fairest at the Magpies, represented Collingwood 218 times over his career, participating in five grand finals.
Unfortunately, in the 2013 season, he managed only five appearances after a falling out with coach Nathan Buckley, who is focused on enhancing the club’s AFL performance following the release of several senior players.
In addition to Didak, Darren Jolly, Andrew Krakouer, and Jordan Russell were also informed they would not receive contracts for 2014, alongside rookies Ben Richmond and Michael Hartley.
Collingwood’s 2013 season ended with a defeat against Port Adelaide in the elimination final.
