First-year Demon Luke Tapscott talks to melbournefc.com.au’s Matt Burgan about overcoming a hip injury and playing his first match associated with the club last weekend

MB: How have you found life at Melbourne since you were drafted last November?
LT: Moving from home was a big thing to start with, but the boys made it really easy for me to fit in around the club. Everyone was really welcoming and I’ve fitted in reasonably well. But having the hip problem, soon after I came was pretty disappointing and a bit of a setback.

MB: When did the hip injury happen and how did it occur?
LT: It was last December. The first-year boys were doing a three-on-three handball drill and I slipped on a sprinkler cap, when Jack Trengove was chasing me. I did the splits and my hip didn’t like it and I tore the labrum. Then, I went on the Christmas break and it was OK. I did some running and came back, but it got sorer and sorer. I got some scans and they found out what was wrong, so I went straight in and had surgery.

How frustrating was that time, considering you had just been drafted?

LT: It was very frustrating, because I was going alright on the track when it happened. I was starting to get some fitness up, so it was disappointing. But all of the boys have been really good in keeping me involved at the club and they’ve been really helpful.

What rehabilitation did you have to undertake?

LT: I did a bit of bike riding and some swimming. I then slowly progressed to weight bearing on the airwalker and treadmill. Then it slowly progressed to walking and then running.

Did you have any setbacks in your rehab?

LT: Around the eight-week mark, I went to start running and the labrum hadn’t healed as quickly as we thought it had. I had another three weeks off, so I didn’t start running, because of the impact.

How did it feel knowing you were edging closer to your first game with Casey?

LT: About three weeks ago, I got put with the main group and was told ‘if you get through the session, then you’re out of the rehab group’. I got through and had a set date. Getting back out with the boys was awesome. Being in the gym with the other boys was a big thing. It showed how much I love playing footy. I’m only just realising now what a big operation it was. It was something I had to take seriously and it was going to take a while to come back from. It was almost a year since playing.

And how did you find your first match this year, playing for Casey against Werribee at Chirnside Park last Saturday?

LT: I got through the game and played about 70 per cent, so I was happy to get through and get a few kicks. We didn’t play until 5.30pm [in the reserves], so I didn’t get up until late. I remembered my routine from last year and I wasn’t too bad. I was a bit nervous when I got to the game, but I wasn’t too bad. I was pretty excited.

Was it a bit surreal to finally play?

LT: Definitely. I was a bit unsure about how it would work out, but it was really good. I played half-forward in the first half and had three shots on goal, but in the second half I played in the midfield. I played 70 per cent, but initially was going to play 60, so I got a bit carried away.

How did you pull up from the match?

LT: My hip was fine. It was sore, because I got a few knocks from the game, but you expect that.

And how do you feel now mid-week?

LT: No worries. I trained on Monday and did weights on Tuesday and got through both sessions, so it’s all looking good for the weekend.

Just finally, what are you goals now for the rest of the year?

LT: My aim at the start of the year was to just get back playing some VFL footy and go from there. I didn’t have any huge expectations, so we’ll see what happens.