WHEN Lucas Cook was selected at No.12 in the 2010 NAB AFL Draft, he was genuinely surprised.

He was under the impression he would be a second round selection - not taken with Melbourne’s first pick.

Little did Cook know that at least two other AFL clubs were set to pounce on him with their respective selections in the teens. It didn’t eventuate, as the 2010 under-18 All-Australian key forward became a Demon.

"I spoke to my manager beforehand and he said he wasn’t really sure - maybe 30-plus, so I had no idea," Cook told melbournefc.com.au.

"On the Thursday night [of the NAB AFL Draft], I just spent the night with family and friends back in Hopetoun.

"My name got called out at 12, so it was a big surprise, but I was very excited and it’s great to be part of a good club. So I’m looking forward to it."

Reflecting on his season, Cook said he couldn’t have asked for a better 2010.

"I was really happy with the year," he said.

"I did everything I could to get onto an AFL list and that was the big aim at the start of the year."

"Everything has worked out really well, so I’m really excited."

National recruiting manager Barry Prendergast said Cook would be an important addition to Melbourne’s list.

"He is a tall, lead-up forward and at 196cm is an elite kick and great decision-maker," Prendergast said.

"He also possesses great skills and has a massive engine.

"He also has great work rate."

Cook, who played for North Ballarat Rebels, is also noted for his ability to hit targets from a stationary position and on the run.

He is also an elite handballer - able to weight his passes to the advantage of his teammates. Cook also possesses footy smarts and good awareness.

Despite being known as a forward, he can also play in defence.

During this year’s championships, when representing Vic Country, Cook averaged 14 disposals and kicked nine goals.

Although Cook was a Western Bulldogs supporter growing up, and a fan of Chris Grant and Luke Darcy, he was also an admirer of Melbourne great David Neitz.

But he is delighted one of his other childhood heroes is now at Melbourne.

"I was a Doggies fan, so I was a big fan of Scotty West," he said.

And, like West, he has now dropped the white in favour of playing an important role for just the red and blue.