While West is bigger and more experienced, it was the youngster who took the points in the pair's ruck duel, despite a big North Ballarat loss.
"I thought Mabes, on a day where we were beaten in most areas, was a standout and his effort was terrific," North development coach Josh Drummond told NMFC.com.au.
"Trent West has played a fair bit of AFL footy, he's big-bodied and he only ended up with two marks.
"Mabes' ability to close him out around the ground and have more influence there with his follow-ups was good."
Collecting 18 disposals and an impressive 10 clearances, Mabon was the best of the Kangaroos on a day North Ballarat would rather forget. Gerard Fitzgerald's team fell by 74-points.
Being in the heart of the midfield it was a tough day for Liam Anthony, but he battled bravely, finishing with 32 disposals.
"LA got a lot of the ball early but it was a bit stop-start so he was unable to penetrate with those disposals," Drummond added.
"We know he'll get his disposals because he works so hard. The defensive side of his game and working on that is the next step. He's still got a little bit to go there."
Despite Geelong having 37 scoring shots, the Delaney brothers were solid in defence.
"Luke held up well with 19 touches and 9 marks. When he gets beaten it's a bit of a surprise, but he was good with the barrage of ball coming in.
"Cam (15 possessions, 4 spoils) was a bit down on previous weeks. His strength has been his work in the contest in the air and on the ground. Today he was a little fumbly on the ground."
Taylor Garner (11 disposals) had an up and down day, with his off-ball work a positive.
"It was a pretty tough role for Taylor on a day where Geelong had a few numbers behind the ball. He was chasing two and three guys on occasions.
"His tackling pressure was good but he missed a few chances. He's ended up with four points - if he kicks some of them he ends up with a really important game."
Continuing his role as a swing-man, Cam Richardson (15 possessions) played both back and forward and was again a consistent performer.
Against a Cats' midfield stacked with talent, Ben Jacobs was quieter than in recent weeks.
"Geelong's on-ballers were dominant with (George) Horlin-Smith, (Troy) Selwood and (Billy) Smedts in the first half in particular.
"Our inside-mids were pretty well beaten. Benny didn't have the same impact with 21 possessions, but just the 1 clearance."
Mitch Wilkins (16 possessions) was also down on his usual output.
"In the first half Mitch struggled to get himself into the game with his intensity being a little bit down. When the game was there the things we've been working on were just a little bit off."
Geelong 4.6.30, 11.10.76, 15.14.104, 18.19.127
North Ballarat 2.3.15, 4.5.29, 5.7.37, 7.11.53
Goals
Geelong: Bathie 4, Horlin-Smith 3, Gibbs 2, Raidme 2, Gleeson 2, Barham, Smedts, Hartman, West, Walker
North Ballarat: Horbury 2, Driscoll 2, George, Austin, Clifton
Best
Geelong: Smedts, Horlin-Smith, West, Brown, Gibbs, Gleeson
North Ballarat: Mabon, L Delaney, Anthony, Tate, George, Austin
