FOOTBALL clubs around the land are usually comprised of a group of mates from a similar background looking to enjoy a hobby together.

At the highest level, that is not the case, with the draft process throwing together a collection of teenagers from around the country, most of whom have never met each other before.

The familiarisation process naturally takes a little longer at an AFL club than at country or suburban level, so with that in mind, Luke Tapscott took it upon himself to get his new teammates together for a catch-up soon after he was drafted to Melbourne in 2009.

Tapscott arrived at the Demons on the same day as Jordan Gysberts, Jack Trengove, Max Gawn, Tom Scully and Jack Fitzpatrick and immediately set about organising a semi-regular dinner at one of his fellow draftees' houses to socialise away from the routine of an AFL club.

While he knew Trengove from his school days in South Australia, Tapscott says it was important for the entire group to get to know one another.

"I started it when I first came over, just to get to know everyone a bit. My host brother did it with his footy mates so I thought it would be a good idea for us," Tapscott told melbournefc.com.au.

"It's all of us who were drafted in the same year, plus Wattsy (Jack Watts) and a few of the guys drafted the year before us."

Tapscott, who lives with a host family in Elwood, rates his cooking skills as basic without being the best.

"I've had to learn to fend for myself. Mum used to always make us cook one meal a week as a kid. I can probably look after myself," he said.

"Jordie Gysberts' mum's roast potatoes have taken the cake so far. There were a few good different meals. We've had a good variety."

Whatever Tapscott has been eating has obviously worked this season as he has made a strong impression in every game since debuting in the round one draw against the Sydney Swans.

His bullocking style and deadly kicking have made him an instant favourite among the Demon faithful.

While he seems to have been ready-made for senior football, the 19-year-old admits to some surprise that he was even picked in the team.

"I suppose missing a bit of pre-season, I wasn't sure if I'd be up for selection or not. I suppose it was a bit of a surprise to get picked in the first round and I try to make the most of it," he said.

"There's no time to ball-watch at all. You're always concentrating and getting in your right set-ups. That's one thing that has stood out for me."

Tapscott says he has been closely following the careers of other players who came through in his draft class, which has proven to be more than handy for the Demons scouts trying to learn about new opposition players.

"I keep in touch with quite a few of the boys. I suppose it helps with opposition analysis as well, to know quite a few of the guys," he said.

"I don't know a lot about the older guys but I take quite a bit of interest in the younger players so that when it comes around I can give everyone else a bit of insight into how to go about it."

Luke Holmesby covers Melbourne news for afl.com.au. Follow him on Twitter: @AFL_LHolmesby.