'I wanted to be a Pie forever'

Alan Didak wanted to be a Pie for life. Source: Quinn Rooney / HeraldSun

EXCLUSIVE: Delisted Collingwood forward Alan Didak wants another AFL club to give him a chance, insisting he has two more seasons of top-level football left.

Didak admitted a strained relationship with Pies coach Nathan Buckley at stages of this season made it difficult for him to make an impact, but he is reluctant to criticise the club he will always love.

"We didn't have the best relationship, but at the end of the day, he (Buckley) is the boss and makes all the decisions," Didak said.

"My career at Collingwood didn't finish the way I wanted it to, but it is what it is.

"I always wanted to be a Collingwood man and to stay a Collingwood man forever, but it hasn't ended up like that."

The 30-year-old, one of six players dumped by the Magpies last week, including Darren Jolly and Andrew Krakouer, admitted he was "very disappointed" at not be offered a new deal.

But he refrained from making any parting shots at the club.

"Now is the time for me to look to the future," Didak said.

Magpies cull experienced stars Alan Didak, Darren Jolly and Andrew Krakouer. Source: HeraldSun

He stressed that he was as "hungry as ever" to extend his career, dismissing perceptions that groin and calf injuries might count against him.

"I'm very disappointed to be leaving Collingwood, as it has been such a big part of my life," he said.

"But you have to move on and I'm very hopeful that there is another (AFL) opportunity out there for me. I'm happy to sit down with clubs and go through my case, and why I can be a good fit for them.

"My body is feeling great at the moment and I believe I can still play for another few years in the AFL.

"This year I ended up playing about 19 games in total. I played about 14 in the reserves, but I didn't get the opportunity to play a lot in the seniors."

Didak had a celebrated career at Collingwood, winning a Copeland Trophy (2006), a premiership medal (2010) and two All-Australian jumpers (2006 and 2010) in 218 games.

He issued an emotional thank you to his teammates and the Magpie fans.

"I am very fortunate to have played at a great club with an amazing supporter base and with great teammates," he said.

"I've made lifelong friends out of this club and some of them are the best friends of my life.

"I've always had great support, and this year it was really overwhelming. At times it was a bit embarrassing, but it is something I will always be grateful for."

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