Amid the disappointment of another close loss – this time by eight points to the Roos – Proud's performance was a significant positive for the Lions. The 19-year-old amassed 21 possessions, four tackles and three clearances in just his sixth game at senior level.
Proud says he made a decision to be himself in the AFL arena after going unselected between rounds eight and 17.
"Every other time I've got a game before the weekend I'd sort of gone back into my shell," Proud told lions.com.au.
"When we had our player reviews a little while back, that was actually something the other players told me about – that they wanted me to come out of my shell a bit more.
"So when I was thinking about the game on Friday night, I decided I was just going to be who I am, talking and trying to pump up the boys.
"In the end I felt really comfortable out there."
Proud inherited the No. 2 guernsey from Chris Johnson and credits the triple premiership defender and now development coach with helping him earn a recall to senior ranks.
Despite some excellent form for the Suncoast Lions, the former Queensland under 18 captain spent the best part of three months in the reserves.
He said the experience taught him invaluable lessons.
"One of the things the coaches wanted me to work on was my kicking under pressure and I've done a lot with Chris Johnson on that," Proud said.
"The biggest thing I've learned though is that it's not just about going and getting a kick. You have to learn to play within the team structure.
"I spoke to Leigh (Matthews) and that was one thing he told me he didn't have complete confidence in – that he thought at times I might start doing my own thing.
"Since then I've made sure I really speak to the coaches before each game to find out what my role is and what's expected of me."
One of Proud's roles against North Melbourne was to assume an in-and-under role around stoppages when Brownlow medallist Simon Black was off the ground.
Having played the best game of his career to date in a losing effort, the Mt Gravatt product is desperate to contribute to a vital win as the Lions look to force their way back into the top eight.
With the Lions likely to have to win three of their next four games to play finals, Proud is hopeful that his contribution will come this week against Hawthorn in Launceston.
"(The Hawks) are third on the ladder but have probably been the second best team recently, so it's going to be a big test," Proud said.
"They love playing a physical game but so do we. Hopefully I can pound in there myself and help us win some of the stoppages.
"All the boys love a challenge and now is the time for us to rise up to another level."
