IT APPEARS Rory Taggert made a wise decision when he decided to sit out this year's Wimmera League finals series rather than play for his club, Horsham Saints.

He decided he needed a rest to perform well in the AFL Draft Combine. After he finished third in the vertical jump, in the top seven in the clean-hands test and recorded a 14.8 beep test it appeared to be the right call.

"I just didn't want to risk getting injured and then not being able to test. [You] get one opportunity, so I wanted to make the most of it," Taggert said.

It didn't all go perfectly to plan though. He made a bit of a mess of the kicking test, an aspect of his game that many regard as his greatest strength.

Taggert's connection to his local club, however, is strong. He played 70 junior games for the club, including the club's first premiership at under-14 level in the Wimmera League (he won the best and fairest) and 20 senior games in the past three years, mainly as a lead-up forward.

In 2011, after moving to St Pat's Ballarat, where he did a school-based apprenticeship focusing on building, he played both school football and in the TAC Cup with the North Ballarat Rebels.

He was part of the school's Herald Shield winning line-up and in the Rebels team that reached the finals. Although playing for both teams had increased his confidence in his own ability, he was keen to be at his best when all AFL recruiters' eyes were on him.

Taggert guesses his performance at the AFL Draft Combine probably boosted his standing among recruiters and led to his name being called out at No. 36, a higher ranking than he might have expected during the season.

Others say his performance representing Vic Country in the under-16 championships under coach Nathan Buckley was when he began to show signs he might have what it takes to play AFL football. The truth is, Taggert appears to a good all-round player.

Certainly his selection caused joy at the Horsham Saints as he was the first player from that club to be selected in the AFL draft. A few people from the football club gathered at the house after his name was read out to wish him all the best and congratulate him.

It was a significant moment for the youngster, who certainly knows where he is from. "The club has been really good to me," he said. "Being the first one (drafted) from the Horsham Saints is a great honour."

A penetrating kick, he is good overhead and consistent rather than flashy.

Those who have observed him at close quarters say he can appear laconic on the field but he never seems to get caught. Melbourne has earmarked him as a possible midfielder, so he has been slotted into that midfield group immediately. 

"With the Rebels I played forward, a little bit back and through the midfield but coming to Melbourne, I'm seen as a future on-baller so doing a lot of work with the midfield group and hopefully I'll get a position there soon," said Taggert.

Given he has been with the club less than a week, his words indicate more than anything his mindset to learn quickly and make the grade. He can see the opportunity in front of him.

Although he grew up as a St Kilda supporter, he said Melbourne was number one on his wish list before the draft. "I see a good upside to the club. It's such a young list and with the facilities and new coaching staff the club is only going to go upwards from here," said Taggert.

The level-headed youngster is from a family of four children (two boys, two girls). His parents Kevin and Sue-Jane shared his excitement knowing how hard his son had worked to reach the first step towards becoming an AFL player. Kevin, the police prosecutor at Horsham and a solid contributor to the local community, has played football around the Mallee.

Taggert sees no drama in making the transition to Melbourne. He is sharing his host family house with Tom McDonald, who comes from the same Wimmera region and played with the Rebels. Taggert's older brother, Zack, lives in South Melbourne. That support network will only grow as he spends more time at the Demons.

For now his priority is putting his head down and continuing to learn. He admitted the first few days have been tiring but the adrenalin has been high.

"The club's unreal. Every player is so welcoming," he said.

Peter Ryan writes for afl.com.au and the AFL Record. Follow him on Twitter at @pet_ryan