2012 Player Review - # 35 Luke Tapscott

[Demonland 64,798]

Another player who had an interrupted pre-season, Luke was extremely diligent in his preparation off the field, which enabled him to play senior games this season. Luke plays a hard, combative brand of football, and can play at both ends of the ground. His kicking is a weapon, and his penetration will be important for the side and our effectiveness as a team when he has the ball. Luke will benefit significantly from a solid pre-season and look to cementing a position in the senior side. - Paul Satterley (forward line development coach) melbournefc.com.au

Games MFC 2012 14 MFC Total 29 Goals MFC 2012 2 MFC Total 4

Games CSFC 2012 5 Goals CSFC 2012 3

MFC 100 kicks 56 handballs 156 disposals 54 marks 48 tackles

Keith "Bluey" Truscott Memorial Trophy 142 votes

[Scipio 5,868]

Once he can find a bit more of the ball, Luke will be a pretty effective player. But he has a lot of work to do.

[jane02 3,320]

I quite liked his form in round 13 when he thumped Fasolo.

[old dee 22,848]

I struggle with what his claim to fame is supposed to be.

With the exception of the fact he plays hard.

What aspect of the game is his strength?

[Scipio 5,868]

I struggle with what his claim to fame is supposed to be.

With the exception of the fact he plays hard.

What aspect of the game is his strength?

Has a booming, accurate kick OD. Can find the goals too.

[Chook 14,471]

I struggle with what his claim to fame is supposed to be.

With the exception of the fact he plays hard.

What aspect of the game is his strength?

Tackling and long, accurate kicking skills.

[angrydee 842]

Kicking seemed to lose a bit as the year went on, and possessions dried up. I have no doubt he will improve further next year.

[Biffen 12,323]

I struggle with what his claim to fame is supposed to be.

With the exception of the fact he plays hard.

What aspect of the game is his strength?

Muscle and skill- a rare combo for us.

[Brian Wilson 331]

Tapscott concerns me. Granted, he has only played 29 games but he has struggled to get involved in those games and I'm not sure where his best position will be.

He looks very slow, and that in a team that is hardly filled with speed.

He displays some aggression and he is a good tackler but he will need to contribute more than that to hold his place in the team in the long term. We can't afford to carry players who can't get the ball. This year, he averaged 11.1 disposals per game (from 14 games). And most concerning is the fact that this is down on 2011, as is his contested possessions (just 3.6 per game).

He looks to have a good long kick but he will have to get the ball to use it.

Injuries have not done him any favours. I hope that he has a good preseason and plays from round 1 next year, as he is nearing a crucial time in his career.

Edited October 20, 2012 by Brian Wilson

[P-man 13,168]

Watched the Gold Coast match yesterday, and if someone told you that his accurate kicking was his strength, you'd be forgiven for thinking they were pulling your leg. He was all over the place, under no pressure.

I love his aggression but as others have said, he just doesnt see enough of the ball. His spot is far from cemented and some major improvements next year are needed. We can no longer carry tryers. We need doers.

[old dee 22,848]

Has a booming, accurate kick OD. Can find the goals too.

First you have to get the ball.

Does not seem to do that all that often.

Will need a big 2013 or I think he could be in serious trouble of not getting a contract extension

Edited October 20, 2012 by old dee

[rjay 23,895]

Kicking seemed to lose a bit as the year went on, and possessions dried up. I have no doubt he will improve further next year.

I think his kicking has lost a bit since he did the hammy big time against the saints in 2011.

First you have to get the ball.

Does not seem to do that all that often.

Will need a big 2013 or I think he could be in serious trouble of not getting a contract extension

He is yet to do a proper pre season so lets not sit in judgement to early but agree 2013 needs is a big one for him.

[Tex 68]

Needs to have a full pre-season, get super fit, shed a few kg's and gain a yard of pace.

Have no doubt if he does the above he will have a great year.

[poita 3,573]

A real disappointment to date, and if his main claim to fame is the weak hit on Fasolo, that speaks volumes. The other supposed claim mentioned above is his goal kicking, but four in 29 games is nothing special.

I reckon he is another one of the group that probably tested well at draft camp and looks a million dollars on the training track, but is virtually useless on the field because he can't find the football.

I honestly don't know what to do with him, because I think he has been played all over the field already without much impact.

[DemonWA 3,434]

I agree with everyone that has said he needs to lift a few gears in 2013.

Having said that, out of all the u18 highlight packages released before/after the draft each year, Tapscott's one gave me reason to be optamistic, and im still optamistic. I think once he feels confident at AFL level he will be a major weapon for us. half back, or half forward flank.

Nathan Jones reckons he only now feels like he truly belongs at AFL level. Although Tappy's a stong lad, im sure he doesnt feel like he truly belongs in the AFL side just yet. Perhaps after a full preseason and a clear role in a single position he might show us a few more tricks.

[old dee 22,848]

I agree with everyone that has said he needs to lift a few gears in 2013.

Having said that, out of all the u18 highlight packages released before/after the draft each year, Tapscott's one gave me reason to be optamistic, and im still optamistic. I think once he feels confident at AFL level he will be a major weapon for us. half back, or half forward flank.

Nathan Jones reckons he only now feels like he truly belongs at AFL level. Although Tappy's a stong lad, im sure he doesnt feel like he truly belongs in the AFL side just yet. Perhaps after a full preseason and a clear role in a single position he might show us a few more tricks.

My fingers are crossed.

The last thing we need is another blow out from the BP era.

The plie is way too high as it is.