Former Collingwood star Nathan Buckley has applauded the Pies decision to reject Port Adelaide's offer for Alan Didak, claiming the controversy-prone forward's best years are still in front of him.
The Power offered up pick number four in the national draft, but the Pies elected to hold onto Didak.
"It doesn't surprise me Port has offered pick No. 4 for him, and it doesn't surprise me the Pies said no," Buckley told News Limited.
"Collingwood has put a lot of work into him.
"I reckon his best four or five years are still ahead of him.
"Collingwood are still hoping to get that out of him -- the onfield success without the off-field concerns."
Buckley also endorsed Nick Maxwell as the next Collingwood skipper, following Scott Burns' retirement.
"He's not the best player in the side, but he's the best leader," Buckley said.
"Geelong has Tom Harley, who's not their best player but he's a great leader.
"Anthony Rocca could do it but he's getting toward the end of his career, so he'd only be there for one or two years.
"Scott Pendlebury will be a really good leader in a couple of years, so they might take a punt on him now.
"If I was still there I'd give it to Nick Maxwell because he's very composed, organised, driven, passionate and the best leader at the club."
