Drafted from North Adelaide, Tapscott spent his junior football and first year at the Demons playing as a midfielder and forward.
It wasn't until just after Christmas that coach Dean Bailey decided his reliable kick and hardness at the ball could add some extra grunt to Melbourne's defence.
The 21-year-old was Melbourne's best player in the first half against Hawthorn on Sunday at the MCG, floating across half back with 23 touches, 16 kicks and 5 marks (the second most disposals for the Demons).
"Dean just wanted me to sort of rebound of half-back so it's a new learning experience for me so I'm still working on quite a few things," Tapscott said after the game.
"I suppose I feel pretty comfortable out there. I just go out there and try and give my best each week."
The transition from attacking forward and midfielder to defender hasn't been an easy one for Tapscott.
But he is buoyed by the knowledge that Melbourne's young defence, with the likes of Jack Grimes, James Frawley, Colin Garland, Jared Rivers, is developing into one of the best in the competition.
"Probably just the speed of ball in the AFL [has been the hardest transition]," Tapscott said.
"You can't get caught ball-watching at all, so it's just one second you're attacking and then you've got to be one step ahead and just try and find your man.
"Having a few experienced heads down there has been really great in settling me down in terms of voice and direction. They've made me feel really welcome and like I'm fitting in well."
Drafted at pick 18 in the 2009 NAB AFL Draft, Tapscott was sidelined for most of last year with a hip injury and is just glad now he has his chance to prove himself.
"Last year was pretty frustrating but I'm just enjoying every moment I get and every opportunity I get to play in the ones."
