BomberBlitz.com Exclusive Interview - Luke Tapscott

By Awesome Scotty
BomberBlitz: Who do you barrack for, and where do you want to go?
Luke Tapscott: The Crows, I wouldnt mind which list I was on.

BB: Who was your footy idol growing up and why?
LT: Mark Bickley from the Crows. He played for my favourite team and he was a country kid.

BB: What is your preferred position on-field and why?
LT: Midfield, get to be involved in the game the whole time.

BB: Did you have injuries this season?
LT: No, only a slight hammy strain after the season

BB: Are you nervous about making the transition from to the AFL?
LT: More so excited, about the possibility of a lifelong dream getting closer.

BB: Just how much growth do you have in you to make?
LT: There are many areas of my game that could be improved and also off-field improvement.

BB: Which footballer do you think you think you are most like on field?
LT: I think I play alot like Paul Chapman.

BB: Who do others say you play like?
LT: I have been said to have attributes like Chappy and also Daniel Rich.

BB: What would you say are you’re greatest strengths?
LT: My kick and skills, contested ball winning and tackling.

BB: What areas do you reckon you could improve on?
LT: My offensive running and running capacity.

BB: What would your top 3 goals be once you’re drafted to an AFL club?
LT: To start with playing my first game, then becoming a dominant part of the team and a premiership.

BB: What do you think of the prospect of possibly moving away from home?
LT: Well, it’s a fair chance as there are only 2 clubs here but it would be good. I have moved from home to boarding school before.

BB: Who has been the hardest player to play on in the under 18s?
LT: Ben Cunnington.

BB: Besides yourself, who do reckon might go in the top 5?
LT: Tom Scully, Jack Trengove, Anthony Moribito, Ben Cunnington and Dustin Martin.

BB: Who is favourite AFL coach and why?
LT: “Bomber” Thompson, looks to have great respect from his players and knows how to win.

BB: How much of a step up were the championships, and what was it like playing with and against the best kids?
LT: Having played league football in the SANFL, the under 18s wasn’t a massive to big of step up. I felt comfortable playing in it.

BB: Do you read any of the media or on-line draft predictions?
LT: No, I haven’t really foccused to much on the media. Been worrying about school exams mostly but I read the paper and have look every now and then.

BB: Do you have a rough idea of where you might be placed in terms of draft position?
LT: No great idea, I’ve spoken to most clubs so it’s hard to predict. Any number will suit me, as long as I get drafted.

BB: What have been your best and worst experiences out of AFL Draft camp this year? How did you find it?
LT: The worst was not being able to do the testing because of my hammy. The best was getting to meet so many people striving for the same thing and also the AFL coaches.

BB: When did you start playing footy?
LT: Pretty much as soon as I could run, I played my first minis game when I was 4 or 5.

BB: Who has had the greatest influence on your footy career so far?
LT: My parents, without them allowing so much time for me I wouldnt be where I am now.

BB: How old were you when you first thought you had a real chance of being an AFL player?
LT: I’ve been wanting to play AFL from as soon as I watched it but it become reality when I moved to Adelaide and got to play in the state 16’s.

BB: Would you prefer to join a team that is currently in the hunt and there is limited first 22 opportunity, or one that is rebuilding, where there will be more immediate opportunities?
LT: Either or would be good, a club where their is competition for spots would be good for immediate improvement.

BB: What was your junior club like?
LT: Country footy in Orroroo. I never played A-grade back there but junior standard was good.

BB: How influential was your first coach?
LT: My first coach was my uncle, was one of the best coaches I’ve had.

BB: What advice would you give to a kid on how to get to your level?
LT: Never take the easy option out of something. Everytime you do, someone else is taking the hard way and getting better than you. Also, always strive for improvement. Take as much advise from the knowledgeable people around you.

BB: Do you play any sports other than footy?
LT: I used to compete at state level for swimming. I also played tennis.

BB: If AFL wasn’t around, what would you do instead?
LT: I had to choose between AFL and tennis so I probably would be playing that still. It would be sport related.

BB: Now for the important questions. Are you a cinnamon, iced or jam centred type donut man?
LT: Cinnamon, if any.

BB: If you could hold a Guinness World Record, what would it be for?
LT: 100m sprint.

BB: What music do you listen to?
LT: Everything except heavy metal.

BB: If someone made a film of your life, who would you like to play the lead role?
LT: Adam Sandler.

BB: One place you would like to visit?
LT: America.

BB: What is your favourite colour M&M?
LT: Red.

BB: Do you think milk should be added to instant coffee prior to boiling water or after?
LT: After.

BB: Shorts or pants man?
LT: Shorts if possible.

BB: Shoes or thongs?
LT: Thongs.

BB: Thanks for the interview.

Posted 22 November 09 in Interviews