Heath Shaw believes his Rat Pack buddy Alan Didak has done enough to hold his spot in the Collingwood lineup during the AFL finals.
The two-time All-Australian and veteran of 217 games for the Magpies has only managed four senior matches this year but has been a solid contributor in the last two games against West Coast and North Melbourne.
Didak, 30, is also very popular with his teammates and the Collingwood fan base.
“He’s a character, he’s a lad,” said Shaw of the freakishly talented forward.
“Everyone likes him and everyone likes seeing him do well.
He’s had a pretty tough year to date and for him last week to come on and kick that goal and the support that everyone showed him was really good and has given him a lot of confidence.
“And he played well yesterday as well.
“The type of guy he is, he’s someone who’s always going to give his all.”
The Collingwood selectors need to squeeze the likes of Harry O’Brien and Luke Ball back into the side for Saturday’s elimination final against Port Adelaide. But Shaw is hopeful that Didak isn’t one of the players who has to make way for them.
“The skill he brings to the table, he’s a dangerous player and any team he comes up against will definitely scout him and try and stop him,” said Shaw.
“I personally believe he’s in our best 22 and the match committee have got a pretty tough decision with a few guys this week.”