Albert Proud

[Lady Lawrence]

over to you - Grimreepah & TheFlyingBelgian

[Grimreepah]

http://img212.imageshack.us/img212/7389/proudgt8.jpg

Lion's bio (http://lions.com.au/default.asp?pg=players&spg=playerprofile&personid=359276)
2006 AFL Draft (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2006_AFL_Draft)

Shifter's top 30 (http://carltonfc.com.au/default.asp?pg=news&spg=display&articleid=306828)
Albert Proud
QLD, 06-Sep-88, Mt Gravatt, Small Midfielder, 180, 83
Goal-kicking midfielder who has a terrific attack on the ball, pace and tackling skills. Left-footer who uses the ball very well and was honoured with QLD U18 captaincy this year. AIS/AFL Academy Graduate. From Mt Gravatt F.C.

http://tinypic.com/2d6k1zs.jpg

Proud part of the pride (http://lions.com.au/default.asp?pg=news&spg=display&articleid=311564)

Proud part of the pride
12:37:26 PM Wed 10 January, 2007
lions.com.au

The Vodafone Brisbane Lions had no hesitation in selecting local talent Albert Proud when he was still available with their second pick (No.22 overall) in the 2006 National Draft.

Recruited from Mount Gravatt, Proud is best described as a goal-kicking midfielder with terrific pace, a great tackling ability and a strong attack on the ball.

“My strengths are probably my speed and my aggression at the ball,” Proud said. “Because of my size (180cm), I can’t obviously get up as high as other players, so I play a more physical type of game. I generally dish the ball out to the running players.”

While he doesn’t model himself on any specific player, Proud has already started learning from some of the Lions stars, in particular Brownlow Medallist Simon Black.

“I have really noticed how professional he is,” Proud said. “He does everything he can on the track to get the best out of himself. I’d love to become a similar type of player.”

Proud was one of a record 11 Queenslanders selected in November’s National Draft and is pleased to be staying in his home state. “I moved to Queensland three years ago and I just love it here, so at heart I was glad to be playing for the Lions,” Proud said.

He was recently joined at the Lions by fellow Queenslanders Haydn Kiel, Daniel Dzufer, Joel Tippett and Scott Clouston who came to the Club via December’s Rookie Draft. “It’s good to have a few Queenslanders around,” he said.

Proud has been a standout junior player for the past two years and was considered one of the country’s hottest prospects before injuries interrupted much of his 2006 season.

“He would’ve been a top five pick in 2005 and even in 2006 except for a few injuries. He’s got the okay from our medical staff so we think he’s going to be an outstanding player,” said Lions Football Manager Graeme Allan.

A stress fracture forced Proud to keep his foot in plaster for two months at the beginning of the 2006 AFLQ season. He overcame this minor setback in time for the National Under 18 championships where he was selected as Queensland’s captain. A natural leader, Proud guided Queensland to its first Division Two title since 1999.

AFLQ Talent Manager Mark Browning was impressed with how Proud captained Queensland in the under 18 championships.

“Albert was sensational on and off the field,” Browning said. “He is a big-game player and a competitive kid who doesn’t let things faze him. He also had a lot of respect within the group. If Albert spoke, everybody listened.”

However, on his return match for local club Mount Gravatt, Proud tore ligaments in his shoulder which sidelined him further.

He still managed to be selected to represent Australia in the Under 18 International Series against Ireland and despite missing the first two matches through injury he was determined to stay involved with the team.

“I’m pretty big on the team thing so I thought that if I couldn’t play, I would do my best at whatever I could do,” Proud said.

Proud’s inherent leadership again shone through as he encouraged his team mates from the sidelines and even helped carry their water.

By the third and final match, Proud was passed fit to play and helped lead the team to a resounding victory which broke the deadlock and won Australia the series.

The left footer has settled well into the Lions pre-season training and believes the opportunities are available for him to have an immediate impact this season.

“I believe that I can play senior football this season,” Proud said. “We’re in a rebuilding stage at the moment and I am neither behind the eight ball nor in front of it. I am really hoping that I get the chance to have a crack at it this year.”

A proud Queenslander, he credits the Lions’ historic three-peat as his most memorable moment.

Day a future champion landed on doorstep (http://theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,20776249-2722,00.html)

Day a future champion landed on doorstep

* Chip Le Grand
* November 18, 2006

ALBERT PROUD was slumped on the veranda when the Lake family got home. He was bleeding from the nose, battered on one ear and bruised around the ribs. With the bravado of youth, Proud said it had been no worse than a wrestle. Wayne Lake knew better: "He was pretty knocked around and in a bad way."
Proud remembers it as the moment his life turned. He had been living with his sister in Brisbane when things turned ugly with her boyfriend and push came to blows. He thought about going back to Melbourne to live with his mum but his football was just starting to take off. The Lakes took him in without hesitation. At next Saturday's national draft, an AFL club will do the same.

This year's Queensland under-18 captain has been compared to Byron Pickett for the zeal and aggression with which he hunts man and ball alike. Mark Browning, the man in charge of the AFL's development programs in Queensland, likens him to a mixture of Maurice Rioli and Michael Long.

Given all three are Norm Smith medallists, Proud isn't about to quibble. He idolises a fourth, Andrew McLeod, whose blood traces back to the same Torres Strait island. But for all these heady comparisons, Proud knows it could have gone very differently had he not sought refuge with the Lakes two-and-a-half years ago.

"I remember everything like it was yesterday," Proud said. "I wasn't the best kid to mum and dad and they thought they would just give me a break and send me up to my sister in Brisbane.

"Obviously it wasn't the best with my sister and her boyfriend and things got out of hand. Everyone wanted me to go back to Melbourne but I wanted to stay here with my mates and my footy mates. I remember arriving and the Lakes were nothing but positive, trying to help me out. To this day, they consider me their own and I am grateful. That was the biggest decision of my life."

Wayne and Ellen Lake have four kids of their own. Their youngest son, Michael, went to school with Albert and the pair became friends. The day they came home to find 15-year-old Albert bleeding on their doorstep, they didn't consider the implications of being foster parents. All they knew was that Albert needed somewhere to sleep that night.

"We had been out the whole afternoon playing basketball so I don't know how long he was sitting there," Wayne Lake said. "We took him in for the evening and that turned into three years. It was the only decision at the time. Everything the kid owned was on the footpath about three houses down.

"He is a great kid but he has had a bit of a tough life. We have tried to do what we can for him. We gave him a commitment to see him out to the end of his schooling. That was last year. Now he is telling us: 'I'll be rid of you buggers in another 10 days'."

Proud has reconciled with his sister and remains close to his mother and father, despite both living in Melbourne. He is no star in the classroom but has finished high school and started a TAFE course. When the names of this year's draftees are read out, Proud will be happy to travel to Perth, Melbourne or wherever the national competition takes him.

"I have already done two years living without my family," he said. "I don't think it would bother me as much as most."

The only thing that hasn't gone right since Proud moved in with the Lakes is his body. At the end of last year, Proud was diagnosed with a navicular fracture in his foot, a career-threatening injury for an elite footballer.

He spent two months with his foot in plaster and was unable to play any club football in Queensland before this year's under-18 national carnival. In his first game back for Mt Gravatt, he tore ligaments in his shoulder. Where he was once considered a top-10 draft prospect, he is now likely to be taken in the second round.

Like most football-mad teenagers, it was no easy thing to keep Proud off his injured foot.

At the height of his frustration, Proud slipped a bottle cap down the back of his cast to try to convince the doctors to remove the plaster early.

"They got down there with a ruler instead," Lake laughed. "It is just a sign of how keen and motivated he has been."

The only other query from recruiters is Proud's temper. Apart from his ferocious attack on the ball, he came to prominence in the 2005 under-18 carnival for his lead role in a half-time brawl which cost him a yellow card and three-week suspension from Mt Gravatt. Proud is a close friend of Brisbane's Rhan Hooper. When some Tasmanian players remonstrated with Hooper for missing a shot on goal, Proud lost his head.

Lake saw it unfold from the grandstand. "It was right on the half-time siren," he said. "Rhan and Albert are very good mates and Rhan was getting some treatment from a couple of the bigger Tasmanian boys. Albert has run a distance to get there, which always looks bad.

"He probably hit a couple; two or three or four. What made it worse was after it all calmed down, he and one of the Tasmanian boys went again. There was no hiding it. It was on national TV. We saw it on the news back here."

Proud has received help from an AIS psychologist and believes he will react differently if confronted by similar circumstances again. Browning said the proof of that was in this year's carnival.

"He is a super aggressive kid who was sticking up for a mate and probably took it a little too far," he said. "It wasn't something we like seeing but he did his penance and he learned from that.

"There were situations this year when the same thing may have occurred but his ability to use controlled aggression in the right manner was a credit to him.

"Albert was sensational, on and off the field. He is a big-game player and he is a competitive kid who doesn't let things faze him. He also had a lot of respect within the group. If Albert spoke, everybody listened.

"He has got some life about him. He is not Anthony Mundine but he has got a bit of a swagger about him. I said to Geelong if I was them, I would be drafting Albert Proud. The Geelong players are all good players but they are a bit introverted. Albert would liven the place up a little."

If predictions hold true, Queensland will this year produce more recruits than it has in any previous national draft. As many as 10 players are likely to be drafted, with David Armitage a possible top-10 selection.

But within the Lake household, only one name will matter. It is not every family that finds a future AFL star on its doorstep.

Article (http://images.google.com.au/imgres?imgurl=http://aflq.com.au/_content/article/00108065-thumbnail.jpg&imgrefurl=http://aflq.com.au/default.aspx%3Fs%3Dgenericnewslist%26kw%3D63&h=128&w=85&sz=18&hl=en&start=124&tbnid=RS06kWtMyMbfNM:&tbnh=91&tbnw=60&prev=/images%3Fq%3DAlbert%2BProud%26start%3D120%26ndsp%3D20%26svnu m%3D10%26hl%3Den%26safe%3Doff%26sa%3DN)

Albert Proud to lead 2006 Scorpions

Mt.Gravatt midfielder Albert Proud will captain the Australia Post Queensland U18 Scorpions at the national championships in Melbourne from 24 June.

His AFL/AIS Academy teammates – Southport ruckman Brent Renouf and Broadbeach utility Ricky Petterd – will be vice-captains of the team coached by ex-Lions ace Craig McRae.

The leadership group was unveiled tonight at the conclusion of the Scorpions’ annual jumper presentation, attended by Lions coach Leigh Matthews and Brownlow Medalists Michael Voss and Simon Black.

The 2006 Australia Post U18 Scorpions team is: Albert Proud (capt),Chris Smith, Shaun Hampson, Simon Plummer, Gavin Grose (Mt.Gravatt); Brent Renouf (vc), Dane Eaton, Fraser Pope, Haydn Kiel, Tauryan Zimmer, Kurt Tippett, Jesse White (Southport); Ricky Petterd (vc), Aaron Rolfe (Broadbeach); David Armitage, Jack Lawler, Gavin Urquhart, Ryan Holman, Scott Clouston (Morningside); Nikos Kiem, Daniel Brittain, Daniel Dzufer (Zillmere); Kyle Marchant (Caloundra); Brody Johnson (Noosa); Shaun Tapp (W/Magpies). Emerg: Rhys Magin (Noosa); Richard Wenham (UQ Bulldogs); Adam Spackman, Ben Gibson (Morningside); Sam Reid (Caloundra).

http://img213.imageshack.us/img213/749/proudzm4.jpg

AIS Profile (http://web.archive.org/web/20060523173030/www.ais.org.au/austrules/proud.asp)

Albert Proud

Name: Albert Proud

Sport: Australian Rules Football

Position/event: Centre

Date of birth / birthplace: 6 September 1988 - Melbourne

Are you also a SIS / SAS scholarship holder, and if so what institute / academy?

What year did you begin your AIS scholarship? 2005

What is your most significant achievement in sport? State Qld 18s; this AIS scholarship

What is your major sporting goal? To play AFL

Who are your idols, and why (not necessarily sporting)? Peter Matera - very neat and classy player who knew how to put a show on

Who has most influenced your sporting career, and why? Peter Matera - to be exactly like him; My family so I can make them proud of me

Do you work or study while training - if so what? Studying year 12 at Runcorn

How do you hope to be remembered when you retire from your sport? Player with speed, class and very professional

What are your career goals after sport? Become a PE teacher or train driver

What do you regard as the most memorable sporting moment? Brisbane Lions 3 peat

http://img219.imageshack.us/img219/4928/proudvf7.jpg

[Grimreepah]

BigFooty Profile

Midfielder

179cms and 80kgs.
6/9/88
Mt Gravatt, Queensland

Very impressive at the U18 Champs and to me was the pick of the Queenslanders on show there despite Urquhart being named All Australian. Even more impressive at the carnival games for Division 2 prior to the U18 Championships.

Very hard at the ball and a physical player who seems to relish the contact. Also classy with the ball in hand and has nice footwork and a well rounded game. Is a long kick and carries the ball well and can play as a linkman when needed.
Has good instincts when to go in for the ball and when to hang off the pack. Got the flair of a lot of Aboriginal players but also that physical edge to his game.

So he is a long kicking, skilful, tough on baller. Not a burst player but someone who seems to possess good endurance and the work rate. Prepared to chase and tackle but with the ball he kicks long, carries it and uses it with precision.
Basically has all the tools to become a very good midfielder in the AFL.
He is fairly short and a few cms extra would be great but I can’t see it being a problem in the future. Developed body and maybe not as much physical improvement in him as some others but he is quick and classy and hard as you would like. When delivering the ball into the forward 50 he was silky and composed. Good hands in close and has a fine overall game.
Nothing lacking in his game and is the complete package.

I am prepared to overlook him losing his cool in the game against Tasmania and think it is a bit out of character and will not be an issue in the future with lacking discipline.

TOA's Phantom Draft (http://www.bigfooty.com/forum/showthread.php?t=283011&highlight=Phantom)

Pick 13 – RICH – Albert PROUD (8/09/88) – 179cm/80kgs
Proud is a physical, brutal midfielder who wins the hardball but can also hurt the opposition with his skills. Was touted as a top 5 selection throughout last year but has been playing with OP all year and his ranking has dropped slightly. His speed is right on average (000 for 20m) and his skin folds were disappointing. Richmond will take a midfielder at this selection barring someone like Thorp sliding down the order. Although Proud doesn’t fit the Richmond stereotype of tall athletic midfielders, his presence and skills will be greatly appreciated at Tigerland.

Weaver's Phantom Draft (http://www.bigfooty.com/forum/showthread.php?t=279879&highlight=Phantom)

4. Albert Proud (Brisbane). Brisbane love ruckmen but will have an eye on the QLD trio Tippett, Renouf and Hampson with later picks. They have declared midfield as a priority, which leaves them to choose between Selwood, Proud and Connors. Proud is the best QLD midfielder since Akermanis and Voss. Wins more hardball than Selwood and O’Keefe. Is tough as teak and quicker than Selwood. If one of the top-3 surprises, Hansen could see the Lions replace Leppitsch and Michael.

Macca69's Phantom Draft (http://www.bigfooty.com/forum/showthread.php?t=283356&highlight=Phantom)

22. Brisbane – Albert Proud
Brisbane will get a local ‘running player’ they are after. Another player who has the underrated ability to play as both an inside and outside midfielder. Loves the tough stuff, and has pace and skill. If Proud is available at this pick I cannot see Brisbane really considering anyone else. Many have him as a top 10 selection, which is where I expect he would go if he hadn’t struggled with injuries and turned up to DC in poor condition.

http://img401.imageshack.us/img401/1069/prouddd2.jpg

[The Flying Belgian]

Hey, I like sharing this one! :D Top work Grimmo!

[Sherminator.]

Our feature centre/rover. :cool:

[Grimreepah]

http://img208.imageshack.us/img208/9459/proudgq9.jpg

Article (http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,21174765-5003410,00.html)

Spreading the AFL word Andrew Hamilton
February 05, 2007 11:00pm

Article from: http://www.news.com.au/images/sources/h14_thecouriermail.gif (http://www.thecouriermail.news.com.au/?from=ni_story)



WHEN prized Lions draftee Albert Proud fronted a room full of primary schoolkids yesterday, his first bit of advice on how to get ahead in sport could have been to stay away from bigger kids.
But Proud would never say that because he loves the physical stuff. It is why in a simple training drill last week, when the hard ball was there to be won for whoever was prepared to be sandwiched between two of the Lions' biggest, Jonathan Brown and Daniel Merrett, Proud went in and grabbed it.
The result was another notch in his growing reputation as a tough nut – and a busted shoulder.
"Yeah, there was a ball to be won in the middle and I wanted it," he said.
"Brownie hit me first, but I had the ball and then Merrett hit me and my shoulder came out of it pretty sore.
"Those two just walked away laughing."
The sore shoulder turned out to be a minor strain that will keep him off the track for another week.
In the scale of setbacks the 18-year-old midfielder has endured in his short career, this one is pretty minor. Proud was tipped as a 16-year-old to be a top-five draft pick, but a succession of foot and shoulder injuries in his final year of junior footy saw him slip off the radar of many AFL clubs.
The Lions couldn't believe their luck when Proud, who captained Queensland's Under-18s to a division two national title last year, was still available at pick No. 22.
"It didn't really worry me," he said. "I received a lot of advice at the AIS. They told us that once you get drafted to a club everybody is equal – it's what you do from there that counts.
Originally from Melbourne, Proud was sent by his parents to live with his sister in Brisbane three years ago.
After a falling-out with his sister's boyfriend, he eventually lobbed with a schoolmate's family in Brisbane and has not looked back.
He is now determined to spread the AFL word, starting yesterday at the Riverview State School in the rugby league heartland of Ipswich.
"I'm spicing it up this week, telling the kids AFL is the best sport and asking them why would they play a game where you throw it backwards to run forwards," he said.

[Ruse]

nice work grim. keep it up:thumbsu:

[Lace Out]

Albert has a good turn of phrase for a young bloke.I've got a feeling he could take over some of Vossies sledging duties...:thumbsu:

[Grimreepah]

Article (http://lions.com.au/default.asp?pg=news&spg=display&articleid=315790)

Albert Proud (No. 34): A sore shoulder may have the Mt Gravatt junior sidelined at present, but the manner in which Proud hurt himself would have lost him few fans at the Gabba. The 18-year-old picked up the injury after being sandwiched between Jonathan Brown and Daniel Merrett in competitive work at training - evidence of his willingness to put his body on the line to get the hard ball. The Lions were delighted when Proud, who captained Queensland's under 18 side last year, was still available with the No. 22 pick of the 2006 national draft, believing it was only some injury interruptions that prevented him going much higher.

http://img251.imageshack.us/img251/5486/proudfe0.jpg

[Effes]

How is his shoulder injury coming along?

[The Flying Belgian]

How is his shoulder injury coming along?

He's close, but probably won't force his way in this week.

[Sherminator.]

He's close, but probably won't force his way in this week.

I want him to debut Rd 1.

[Rocky Rambo]

I want him to debut Rd 1.
Will he play against Carlton or will they rest him for Round 1 or will he have to wait a few rounds before going into the 22?

[TheBrownDog]

Will he play against Carlton or will they rest him for Round 1 or will he have to wait a few rounds before going into the 22?

Not playing against Carlton.

Reckon he might get a run in the Ressies before he plays any seniors.

Hasn't played any footy for a while.

[xplo]

Not playing against Carlton.

Reckon he might get a run in the Ressies before he plays any seniors.

Hasn't played any footy for a while.

Agreed. Look everyone is stoked to have the kid, but we might be getting a bit carried away. How could you even consider picking an 18 year old kid straight into the round one side without having even seen him play an intraclub game? Wrong message to send to everyone, particularly his mate Hooper. Not even Gibbs should play under those circumstances.

It has to be about performance. The guys like Begley, Tyler and even Matty Allan have been putting their case on the field. Surely any kid has to do the same?

[Grimreepah]

It has been a dark day (Bradshaw's injury), but as POBT said, this is very encouraging.

Albert Proud, who was selected by the Lions with their 2nd pick in the 2006 National Draft made an impressive first appearance in Lions colours. The Queensland teenager lived up to his hype as he continually crashed packs and won the contested ball. The good-sized pacy midfielder made a noticeable impact each time he went near the ball.

link (http://lions.com.au/Season2007/News/NewsArticle/tabid/5085/Default.aspx?newsId=39934)

http://img147.imageshack.us/img147/2038/proudic6.jpg

[TheBrownDog]

Wonder if he could play that nuggety Brad Johnson forward role....

[scott522]

was one of the best players at the vultures last season...good speed and courageous

[Sherminator.]

Wonder if he could play that nuggety Brad Johnson forward role....
I'd rather him in the physical Voss style of play. I'd like to see him legally iron out some players in sid eon contest like God (Voss) did.

[Quigley]

I can't remember who made the comparison first on here but it was mentioned he played a bit like Chris Johnson early on. I would be more than happy if Bert ended up having a career like Johnson's.

[acuguy]

I remember watching Proud play in the 05 carnival as a 17 year old and he just looked like a Michael Long clone, i remember thinking this bloke has to go top 5, if he stays on the straight and narrow then we have a bloke who could be recognised as one of the elite midfielders in the competition with in the next 4-5 years. He is a very exciting talent.

[morphous]

was one of the best players at the vultures last season...good speed and courageous

Don't think he played too many games last season due to injuries

[The Flying Belgian]

Named in the best for Suncoast on the weekend vs Southport, I hear showing some really good form in the second half. Would love to hear from anybody who made the trip down and caught some of the magoos.

[Lach72]

I loved this kid when I saw the 18's carnival. Wish we could've got him.

[xplo]

Ankle injury in the last quarter after a being in the best again. Was apparently walking with a limp after the game, so might miss a game or two.

[Sherminator.]

Ankle injury in the last quarter after a being in the best again. Was apparently walking with a limp after the game, so might miss a game or two.
Game seems the worst. Supposedly, he was sighted walking around with only a slight limp. He couldn't be far from playing seniors, could he? Surprised he didnt go Top 10, luckily we got him at 22. :) :thumbsu:

[Crusha]

Game seems the worst. Supposedly, he was sighted walking around with only a slight limp. He couldn't be far from playing seniors, could he? Surprised he didnt go Top 10, luckily we got him at 22. :) :thumbsu:

Let's not get ahead of ourselves !!
Albert's got plenty of potential for sure, but there's a long queue ahead of him.
The guys in the current 22 aren't going "too bad" at the minute, and Selwood is back on deck.
And young Schmidt is doing just fine as well. Different style of player, not as in & under as Albert, but getting plenty of ball and using it well - has probably been the best "midfielder" for Suncoast over all the games played.

But agree, he will be a real asset in the future.

[POBT]

Ankle injury in the last quarter after a being in the best again. Was apparently walking with a limp after the game, so might miss a game or two.
He's not in this week's injury list so presumably he's OK to play.

[TheBrownDog]

He's not in this week's injury list so presumably he's OK to play.

Looked ok yesterday.

[David_Brent]

Hows his form been in the local comp of late?

Any chance to get a run soon?

[xplo]

Hows his form been in the local comp of late?

Any chance to get a run soon?

Was reported as 'enjoyed some good periods of the game' against Labrador. Doubt he's doing quite enough to put himself into strong contention just now, but it would probably only take 2 or 3 good performances to put himself right in the mix.

His strengths would suit the side right at the moment so it's up to him to really tear it up over the next few weeks.

[The Flying Belgian]

Named in the emergencies this week. Must be showing something the coaches like...

[xplo]

Named in the emergencies this week. Must be showing something the coaches like...

McGrath must have a question mark over him still, so Alby would be some sort of chance this week. Schmidt was a bit stiff to get dropped, so he might be slightly more likely, but with Wood being the other emergency, Alby is the closest 'like for like' fit for Ash.

[Grimreepah]

Apparently Proud kicked 5 in the 2s. Heard an interview with Lambert saying that they rate very, very highly. That the only thing that has been holding him back is fitness and that he nearly played this week.

Reckon that means he is a 99.9% certainty to play next week.

Good to hear:thumbsu:

http://img138.imageshack.us/img138/4862/prouddv5.jpg

[Grimreepah]

Link (http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,21902430-11088,00.html)

First year player Albert Proud, a former Queensland under-18 captain and the first Aboriginal player to hold the position, will come under consideration for a call-up after kicking six goals in the reserves last weekend.

"He brings that match hardness, even though he's only 18 or 19 he brings aggression," Adcock said.

"His tackling and chase down pressures will help the forward line if he plays."

http://i20.tinypic.com/1z7p0i.jpg

[BigCat2]

C'mon Leigh & the match committee, pick him! If we're going to play quicker, run more confidently and contest the ball harder, might as well the pick the type of player that's ideally suited to it! ;)

[TheBrownDog]

C'mon Leigh & the match committee, pick him! If we're going to play quicker, run more confidently and contest the ball harder, might as well the pick the type of player that's ideally suited to it! ;)

As I said last saturday night...

Proud will play next week. :thumbsu:

He's a hard little bugger.

Have faith in in the BrownDog my son. :)

[BigCat2]

Have faith in in the BrownDog my son. :)

If you are right, then you'll earn my etern.....err, temporary gratitude. ;)

[TheBrownDog]

Its official, Proud has been named in the final team for Sunday.

Tear it up Albie!

BROWNDOG PREDICTION: Proud will play all 11 remaining games this season, barring injury.

[lionsrock9]

Good luck mate.
hope you kick arse.
show them how the boys from 4113 do it!! ;)

[konstas_87]

had a pretty fair game i thought, missed a golden opportunity at an early goal from 40 but it was by no means a gimme in the conditions.

was fairly happy with Proud's efforts :thumbsu:

[TheBrownDog]

had a pretty fair game i thought, missed a golden opportunity at an early goal from 40 but it was by no means a gimme in the conditions.

was fairly happy with Proud's efforts :thumbsu:

Set up a couple of goals with some nice handballs.

[notting18]

For a first year player he has a fair size about him....wasn't being bullied out there!

[lionsrock9]

For a first year player he has a fair size about him....wasn't being bullied out there!

It was the other way around.

[Kochie 16]

It was the other way around.
Making an impression early:p:D

[LuckyLuke]

And what a great name for a member of the Pride!

[Crimso]

Anyone have a good nick' for him yet?

[Metallica_Man]

I liked the look of him yesterday, looks like you've got a good player :thumbsu:
BTW the huge hit he did was only to Mackie, which isn't much to brag about considering how skinny Mackie is :p

[black_hart]

Anyone have a good nick' for him yet?

Ernie :p

[TheGeneral]

How did Mojo's second love child(after Hansen) play in his debut game?

[xplo]

How did Mojo's second love child(after Hansen) play in his debut game?

Not huge numbers playing in a forward pocket, but I reckon you'd say he 'looked like a likely type' from the stuff he did. Created a goal with quick thinking and was pretty physical for a first gamer.

[don vito of fitzroy]

Not a bad debut. It was wet so wasn't expecting any heroics but he did give it ago. He gave some needed spark in attack. Hopefully, Matthews gives him more time. He has more guts and ambition than most of the players at the moment.

[lion_gooner]

fat albert is my name for him

[Grimreepah]

Link (http://lions.com.au/Season2007/News/NewsArticle/tabid/5085/Default.aspx?newsId=50966)

AFLQ Grogan Medal results

8:37 AM Wed 12 September, 2007
for lions.com.au

Suncoast midfielder Albert Proud finished in eighth place with 11 votes. He polled in five games.

Top 10 votegetters:

18: Todd Featherstone (Labrador)
16: Matt Payne (Zillmere)
16: Ash Evans (Mt Gravatt)
13: Josh Vearing (Mt Gravatt)
13: Mick Stinear (Mt Gravatt)
12: Scott Harding (Suncoast Lions)
12: David Lillico (Morningside)
11: Albert Proud (Suncoast Lions)
11: Nikos Keim (Zillmere)
10: Justin Wilson (Morningside)
10: Shane Morrison (Mt Gravatt)

Suncoast votegetters:

12: Scott Harding
11: Albert Proud
5: Cameron Wood
5: Chris Schmidt
4: Richard Hadley
3: Chris Johnson
3: Troy Selwood
3: Ash McGrath
3: Wayde Mills
3: Colm Begley
3: Daniel Dzufer
2: Ben Fixter
2: Jason Roe
2: Rhan Hooper
1: Scott Clouston
1: Matt Tyler
1: Mitchell Clark
1: Ali Pinda (top-up player)

http://img401.imageshack.us/img401/3210/proudjt5.jpg

[Ruse]

How old is Todd Featherstone? Is he worth drafting or a rookie spot?

[Grimreepah]

End of Season Player Review

Last year there were big raps on Proud, but a run of injuries, turning up to draft camp overweight, and question over his commitment, meant that he slipped to pick 22 in the draft. Proud is an aggressive midfielder who likes the physicality of the game but is also lightening quick and has good skills. As such he is a perfect fit for the Lions, who are still looking to fill the void in the midfield left by Michael Voss. Proud had a fairly good year for Suncoast, and showed on his day he can really dominate a game. He made his senior debut in round 12 against Geelong, but after a 1 possession game against Port the following week he was dropped and didn’t get another opportunity. Proud is an exciting prospect, but he needs to improve his endurance to be able to compete at the top level.

http://img231.imageshack.us/img231/4813/proudul7.jpg

[TheBrownDog]

Carrying the reputation of Fitzroy’s last man standing, a co-captain and the local Indigenous AFL community will be Albert Proud who nominated for and was granted recent retiree Chris Johnson’s number two Guernsey.

It was a very fitting and ‘proud’ transfer from one Indigenous AFL superstar to a future maroon-grown AFL superstar in Proud, who was clearly honoured to get his idol’s number during his own photo shoot with Johnno before training last week.

Proud was taken as a second round selection at pick number 22 overall by the Lions at the 2006 AFL Draft. The goal-kicking midfielder, who’s been compared to Byron Pickett for his zeal and aggression at the ball, played two senior games in 2007 against Grand Finalists Geelong and Port Adelaide for 3 marks, 9 disposals, 5 kicks and 2 behinds.

Albert won’t need any reminders of the number two legacy with Chris Johnson now on the Lions staff as full-time Development Coach for Season 2008, ensuring the two will work very closely together over the next 12 months.
Original Article at Lions.com.au (http://www.lions.com.au/Default.aspx?tabid=5085&newsId=53032)

[notting18]

Two games, pick 22 and now the number 2 - it seems to make sense;)

[Ill Nino]

Heard Proud’s mother passed away recently. :(

[TheBrownDog]

Heard Proud’s mother passed away recently. :(


That's really sad. May explain the black armbands.

He is crazy brave. Not one ounce of self-preservation in the way he plays. Leigh must love him.

[dlanod]

That's really sad. May explain the black armbands.

He is crazy brave. Not one ounce of self-preservation in the way he plays. Leigh must love him.

The commentators confirmed at the start of the match that Brisbane's armbands were in honour of Proud's mother.

[Sherminator.]

Boy, I enjoyed watching Proud. He plays with that agression that we need. :)

Chance's are he'll play a dozen games this season. :cool:

[Kochie 16]

I'm now on the Albert Proud bandwagon!

Pure quality!

[POBT]

A question for anyone who went to the game - did you notice if Proud worked hard off the ball? My impression was that he was very good when the game stopped - his work around the clinches was exceptional. However, he didn't seem to possess the ability to get to lots of contests. I mentioned on the match thread that I thought he lacked both pace and endurance. At one point, he was chasing a loose ball and he seemed to be going in slow motion compared to his opponents. At another stage, I swore I saw him barely jogging as Essendon went on one of their fast break pushes forward.

I am going to give him the benefit of the doubt that he had run himself into the ground and hasn't yet discovered how to work smart as well as hard. But it is something that I will be watching. In the modern game, you simply can't afford to be a pure clearance specialist, you need either or both endurance and pace.

[Grimreepah]

Link (http://lions.com.au/tabid/5085/News/NewsArticle/Default.aspx?newsId=55538)

Albert Proud did his senior selection claims no harm with an impressive 29-posession display

http://img182.imageshack.us/img182/3100/proudfu8.jpg

[macca69]

A question for anyone who went to the game - did you notice if Proud worked hard off the ball? My impression was that he was very good when the game stopped - his work around the clinches was exceptional. However, he didn't seem to possess the ability to get to lots of contests. I mentioned on the match thread that I thought he lacked both pace and endurance. At one point, he was chasing a loose ball and he seemed to be going in slow motion compared to his opponents. At another stage, I swore I saw him barely jogging as Essendon went on one of their fast break pushes forward.

I am going to give him the benefit of the doubt that he had run himself into the ground and hasn't yet discovered how to work smart as well as hard. But it is something that I will be watching. In the modern game, you simply can't afford to be a pure clearance specialist, you need either or both endurance and pace.

Yeh he's never had great endurance, but he'd be quicker than most inside midfielders I would have thought. I think his lack of endurance can make him look slow at times, but when he's fresh he's pretty quick IMO.

[xplo]

I think that getting him spot on with his endurance will be the key to making him an elite player, but I think that might take another two years. He plays a energy-sapping, physically demanding game -- there's no cruise about him -- and right now he probably hasn't got the refuelling ability to give a third effort almost as punchy as that first effort.

It'll come as long as we keep him fit.

[Panthera]

Prouds' role for the next couple of years should be to come in at the 15 min mark of every quarter to give Black, Power etc a rest and destroy the opposition.

He's like a Pickett type wrecking ball in the clinches, was awesome to watch at ground level. Loves to fly in under the packs (usually on his back mind you) and get the ball to advantage....really tries hard, no consideration for his own physical safety :thumbsu:

I'd have him in our best 22 if only to soften up the oppositions' centre square ;)

[TheBrownDog]

I think that getting him spot on with his endurance will be the key to making him an elite player, but I think that might take another two years. He plays a energy-sapping, physically demanding game -- there's no cruise about him -- and right now he probably hasn't got the refuelling ability to give a third effort almost as punchy as that first effort.

It'll come as long as we keep him fit.

What made Shaun Hart so valuable was that he not only played that same sort of role, but that he also had the endurance do it all day.

If we can get Proud's endurance up, he could provide similar value.

No headgear for Albie though... he doesn't seem to have any regard for his own safety. :D

[Grimreepah]

Link
(http://www.geelongadvertiser.com.au/article/2008/03/01/11785_news.html)
Premiership star Stokes was stretchered from the ground in the opening minute of the final term after suffering a nasty blow to the head when he was dumped in a tackle by Lions’ midfielder Albert Proud.

[ZoBlitz]

If he has a reasonable last preseason game, I think he'd be unlucky not to make the squad for round 1.

[xplo]

If he has a reasonable last preseason game, I think he'd be unlucky not to make the squad for round 1.

There's always 'matchups' to consider -- Perth is a big ground so he'd have to be managed -- but honestly he'd almost have to spend the last practice game in the fetal position to miss selection. I'm trying to think of another player that has displayed more consistency over the preseason. I'm struggling.

[Cousin Jed]

Story in Sunday Mail (hopeless for posting their stories online)

Basically saying that he is off contract at the end of the year, and that (needs to make that point that he wants to be an AFL footballer) and an unflattering assessment from Lethal in the offseason is driving him

The message was that I had to get better on the training track and I think I've done that. He said talent was natural and the ability to work comes from within. I took that on board

Lost 5kg over summer - playing at 83kg.

[notting18]

The message was that I had to get better on the training track and I think I've done that. He said talent was natural and the ability to work comes from within. I took that on board

There is a reason Leigh Matthews is one of the best coaches in the league...

[chopperduck]

if he was given the flat message to shape up during the off season and get into shape, and he responds by dropping 5kg and being one of our best players over the 4 game pre season he would be very stiff to miss a spot round 1.

you would think if you were coach and you asked that of a player and he answered like that, he has done enough to earn a spot round 1. weather or not he keeps the spot is another matter, but i think he has earned a chance

[Grimreepah]

Proud is obviously a talented player, but there was always a question mark over his endurance. So being able to be a big possession winner in the last couple of games is a very encouraging sign.

How much does preseason form count towards team selection? He was probably a fair way down the pecking order at the end of last year, so he would have to overtake players like Harding, Corrie, Sherman, McGrath and Begley to get a game. Has he done that?

[_charlie_]

I don't think he has overtaken that group, but rather has boosted himself up to the same level as that group. McGrath and Corrie still working back from injury, Sherman and Harding not consistant enough / still finding form. I would have thought Begley would be pushing the top of that group, with Proud and the others following closely behing. Although this is based on what everyone has been saying throughout the pre-season, as I haven't had access to any games.

[xplo]

Proud is obviously a talented player, but there was always a question mark over his endurance. So being able to be a big possession winner in the last couple of games is a very encouraging sign.

How much does preseason form count towards team selection? He was probably a fair way down the pecking order at the end of last year, so he would have to overtake players like Harding, Corrie, Sherman, McGrath and Begley to get a game. Has he done that?

Harding didn't play in the second half of last season and Sherman didn't do much when he did. McGrath is injured and Begley hasn't played a game yet. Corrie and Sherman do have a few longer term runs on the board, but from what I've seen I think Proud has -- at this moment -- jumped himself into the upper part of that pack.

If I picked him, I'd be looking at giving him a 4 week block of games and then assessing whether he needed a few games in the magoos to take stock or not.

[POBT]

I think when you are picking players 20, 21 and 22 in your squad, team balance is almost more relevant than form. There's only so many in and unders you can have in your squad in modern footy. While Proud's form has been good, Lethal may decide that the pace of Harding or the defensive pressure of McGrath is a more important commodity, even if their form is not as flattering.

I think that Proud, Riska and Selwood might be competing for 1 or 2 spots. All three are more "inside" than "out" and none have brilliant pace. Riska would be unlucky not to have a spot for round 1 IMO.

[xplo]

I think when you are picking players 20, 21 and 22 in your squad, team balance is almost more relevant than form. There's only so many in and unders you can have in your squad in modern footy. While Proud's form has been good, Lethal may decide that the pace of Harding or the defensive pressure of McGrath is a more important commodity, even if their form is not as flattering.

I think that Proud, Riska and Selwood might be competing for 1 or 2 spots. All three are more "inside" than "out" and none have brilliant pace. Riska would be unlucky not to have a spot for round 1 IMO.

I can see your argument, but:

a). Black appears underdone ATM, so our engine room might need more bolstering earlier in the season than later.

b). Riska hasn't been seen so far, has he? Throwing him in with Black on Subi is a bit of a concern for mine. Granted, three weeks is still a fair time to lift fitness levels of both.

c). Without McGrath, Proud is potentially more valuable as a crumbing forward than as a bonefide mid. In fact, that's where I'd be using him most ATM, perhaps with late quarter 'raids' on the ball as other tire.

[POBT]

If Riska doesn't play this week, I expect to see him play in the AFLQ for round 1. That opens it up.

I'm not sure Black will go into round 1 "underdone" - if he does, then it will need a rethink of our structure anyway.

At Subi, I'd be more inclined to include Selwood. As I've mentioned previously, I have my doubts about Proud's engine at this stage. I'm also not sure about Proud as a small forward - I see him closer in style to Daniel Harris than Aaron Davey and would want him to play in the clinches the whole time he was on the field.

If we need a small forward, I think that Sherman or Harding may be used, even if that is not their ideal position. But I'm not sure that crumbing small forwards are all that effective at Subi - for me, the small forwards who have succeeded have been ones that take their fair share of marks on the lead - Phil Matera springs to mind.

I think there are only a few spots which are actually up for grabs. The arrival of Johnno, the running of Stiller, the improvement in Corrie and Sherman, the reliability of JMac - that takes up a lot of the fringe when it comes to selections.

[xplo]

You couldn't see Proud playing as a defensive McRae/Pickett type forward? Not so much a pure crumbing goal kicker, but more of a guy that skittles defenders, dumps tackles, squeezes balls out of congestions and creates second opportunities for the Brennan's, Nottings, Lappin's and Stiller's that are following the ball in to Browny and other big forwards.

[POBT]

Not at this stage xplo. I'm not saying that he won't - it is definitely feasible. But my impressions of him this year is that he is a beaut around the clearances because he just focuses on the pill and either grabs it himself it or gets it going forward. But I thought that his vision was a little lacking and the directness that he displayed when he was going for the ball seemed to be lost somewhat once he had it. I'm also not sure that he has been that effective defensively - partly due to the fact that I think he still needs to work on his fitness.

We've got a few bruisers in the forward line already - I think I'd rather someone with blinding pace (Hooper) or clever hand and foot skills (Power).

I really like the guy - I'm not trying to knock him at all. I just think he's a little limited in terms of the roles he can play....at least until he builds a better engine and can run out more of games in the midfield.

Edit: I should add that I am basing my views on seeing him play about 5 times in total and only once this season. It is hardly an authoritative view and I hope that he proves me wrong. On the fitness aspect, the fact that he's played 3 games now must have improved his endurance.

[xplo]

Fair enough. I can see where you're coming from, and he certainly didn't do a great deal playing as a forward in his two senior games. Seemed to get lost a little. But the same was probably true of Hooper in his earlier half dozen odd games but it didn't take long to click.

I think we looked best last year (I'm thinking about the West Coast, Collingwood and Carlton games) when Rhan was able to apply his pressure in the guts, and not many have got the combination of toe and motor that he has to perform that role. Stiller and Selwood can cruise up and down all day and Alby can cannon around a pinball but Rhan can do both. Seems like playing him deeper in the forward wastes some of that edge.

If I was playing Alby deep, I'd almost set his no#1 task as to cause spillages -- get to blokes harder and faster than they expect you to -- panic guys into turnovers -- bump and dump guys to try to cause cause temporary 2-on-1 situtions. I could even see him earning a few freekicks in front of goal with his attack on the pill.

That would be a good counterpoint to the sides setting up to double team/nullify Brown, coral the crumbs and set up to rebound. They gather a loose ball and flick their eyes up field and bang! -- a missile comes out of nowhere.

Anyway, it'll be interesting to see how Leigh see his role.

He'll probably do a quad tonight ;)

(* yes I'm touching wood)

[Ruse]

(* yes I'm touching wood)
Damn xplo I wish I could too but i'm at uni and there are ppl around.

[xplo]

Damn xplo I wish I could too but i'm at uni and there are ppl around.
Hehehe.. I knew there'd be someone who wouldn't be able to resist that line.

[Grimreepah]

At Subi, I'd be more inclined to include Selwood.

Yeah, Proud's chances of playing in round 1 would be a lot better if we were playing anywhere else. Leigh likes to take running sides over to Subi so it's hard to see him sacrificing a good runner.

[Warwick]

I would take Proud's hardness and ball-winning capabilities any day of the week.

We are one of the lowest possession-winning teams in the comp. I would rather play someone who gets the bloody pill than a bloke who is slightly quicker.

There is no way Harding would get a go before Proud in round 1.

[The Flying Belgian]

Brisbane Lions youngster Albert Proud (is) facing a fine, after ... making contact with an umpire during (the) weekend practice match.

Link (http://news.realfooty.com.au/robertson-cleared-by-afl-panel/20080303-1wiv.html)

I saw the scrolling bar on foxsports that he'd been cited and was wondering if it was for the tackle that led to Matthew Stokes being stretchered off. Apparently not.

[p3zd1sp3nx0r]

This dude looks good, got him on the bench in my super coach :thumbsu:

[Lace Out]

This dude looks good, got him on the bench in my super coach :thumbsu:
Congratulations,you and 17,000 others :thumbsu:

[Sherminator.]

Premiership star Stokes was stretchered from the ground in the opening minute of the final term after suffering a nasty blow to the head when he was dumped in a tackle by Lions’ midfielder Albert Proud.


YES! Proud's gone up to be behind Adcock and Sherman in my fave youngsters.

[Grimreepah]

Link (http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,23313466-10389,00.html)

The club will decide today whether to appeal against a first-offence charge levelled at youngster Albert Proud for making contact with umpire Heath Ryan during the second quarter of the NAB Challenge match against the Cats. Proud can accept a $1950 sanction with an early plea or risk a fine of $2600 if he appeals and is unsuccessful.

[Grimreepah]

Link (http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,23316892-23211,00.html)

Proud accepted a $1950 fine for making contact with umpire Heath Ryan.

[Chasing the Dream]

Good decision to take the fine.

He got the umpire good.

[Grimreepah]

Proud was BOG for me.

Well that means his last 3 performances have all been very good. Hendo has been great but Proud's form is probably the most exciting thing to come out of the preseason games.

http://img150.imageshack.us/img150/2558/proudgc5.jpg

[LIONOFZION]

Well that means his last 3 performances have all been very good. Hendo has been great but Proud's form is probably the most exciting thing to come out of the preseason games.

Alby kicked a good snap goal off the pack. Good to see Hooper and him get in amongst the goals. I wonder if this is a pointer to things to come :)

[hotdish]

With another BOG/in the best for Brisbane yesterday, how do you think this affects his chances of lining up come round one? What position has he been playing through the NAB cup and what position is he likely to occupy if playing in Round 1.

From and outsiders view he should be a lock for Round 1, but for all I know there could be structural problems which keep him out of the team (ie because you guys have so much depth through the midfield).

[lookagoose]

Alby kicked a good snap goal off the pack. Good to see Hooper and him get in amongst the goals. I wonder if this is a pointer to things to come :)

At the Essendon game at Carrara I was sitting next to a bloke who played with both of them at the Vultures. They are very close apparently. Alby probably played a big part in Rhan re-signing last year. They are a very exciting combo!:thumbsu:

[Grimreepah]

Link (http://www.goldcoast.com.au/article/2008/03/11/8661_gold-coast-sport.html)

Fitness and form has star smiling Proud
Nick Smart 11Mar08

WHEN Queenslander Albert Proud made his AFL debut in round 12 last year, at Skilled Stadium against Geelong, he came off after just 10 minutes feeling exhausted.
He was spent, and it dawned on him just how hard he was going to have to work to make it as a top level AFL footballer.
Ever since, getting as fit as possible has been Proud's priority, and this year the hard-at-it midfielder is seeing results.
He has been named in the best for all four of the Lions' pre-season matches and looks a likely starter for round one.
It has been an amazing transformation for Proud, who now feels ready to take on the AFL competition in 2008.
"Last year, in my first AFL game, I played for the first five or 10 minutes and I came off and spoke to the psychologist and told him I had never been so tired in a game," he said
"This year I am feeling a lot fitter and stronger with my endurance.
"And after games I feel like I could go again the next day, so I am running out games a lot better than last year."
The former Mt Gravatt player has not put a foot wrong during the pre-season and said he now had the confidence to show his stuff on the big stage.
"At the start of the pre-season I spoke to the coach and my mentor, Chris Johnson, and I said that I am confident if I get a pre-season under my belt that I can show my strengths on the field," he said.
"The pre-season has helped me big time and I am getting more confident with every game."
When he arrived at the Lions last season coach Leigh Matthews told him in no uncertain terms that with his build Proud was ready for AFL footy. All it came down to was fitness, which became Proud's priority after playing just two senior games in 2007.
"My main priority this whole pre-season was to be as fit as I can be, so I can do the full training and get the most out of myself," he said.
Proud, who bases his game on his mentor and former Lion Chris Johnson, is naturally keen for a spot in the team in round one, but with a strong Lions side knows it will be a close call.
"My sights are on round one but with people coming back from injury, we will see," said the 19-year-old, who believes his best position is in the midfield but expects to play more up forward this season.
"The coach has told me that he will use me in the midfield as an X factor, just to get the ball going forward," he said.

http://img247.imageshack.us/img247/3046/proudsy2.jpg
WHEN Queenslander Albert Proud made his AFL debut in round 12 last year, at Skilled Stadium against Geelong, he came off after just 10 minutes feeling exhausted.