Didak is 19 and has played just 14 games, but the glimpses of magic - dashes around opponents, long goals on the run - are becoming more and more regular.

And that means more game-time, such as in last week's win over Adelaide in which he played the entire game and bagged three goals in front of his home-town crowd.

``It was great, I'd always wanted to go back and play in front of my friends and family and come away with a win as well,'' he said.

``And I played my first full game on the weekend as well so it was good to get back home and see my family.''

The No.3 pick at the 2000 national draft, Didak was held back last season.

The Magpies gave him a taste of AFL football with five games, but Didak was left hungry for more, admitting it was tough watching a developing team from the sidelines.

``It was very frustrating seeing the team do really well early and I wasn't a part of it,'' he said.

A year on, Didak is beginning to forge his reputation as a burst player who knows the best way to leave an impression on the coach - kicking goals (11 this season).

Of Croatian descent, Didak played soccer before Aussie rules. Footy was initially ``a bit weird'' for his parents, but it was soon apparent he made the right choice.