Despite being matched up against opponents the calibre of David Hille and Tom Bellchambers in North Ballarat's clash against Essendon, the 21-year-old collected nine clearances and also 18 possessions, no mean feat for a man of his size.
"It was a pretty courageous effort from Mabes to battle it out as he was double-teamed all day against experienced AFL ruckmen," North development coach Josh Drummond told NMFC.com.au.
"He never raised the white flag even when it was difficult for him all day It was one of his better games in terms of getting around the ground. He made his way to some good spots and was able to get used. His follow-up work was also terrific."
While some would find the challenge against older, more seasoned opponents daunting, it's brought out the best in Mabon.
"Generally this year he's been one-out in the ruck with only a little help. So he's had to shoulder a big percentage of the load and it's been a credit to him the way he's responded to the challenge. He relishes those opportunities to play against the good ruck combinations."
Mabon's good work wasn't enough to help his side over the line, with the Bombers prevailing by 39-points at Windy Hill and effectively ending the Roosters chances of a finals berth. Just four Kangaroos lined up in the match.
Liam Anthony (23 disposals) was the recipient of a heavy tag all afternoon, restricting his influence.
"He (Anthony) got sat on tightly. He started well and did some nice things but he didn't manage to have a huge impact on the game," Drummond added.
"That being said, he battled it out well under the tight attention and with high game-time."
Having spent much of the season in a defensive role, Mitch Wilkins showed promise in a somewhat unfamiliar role at the other end of the field.
"Mitch spent some more time up forward today. Even though he didn't have a huge amount of opportunity, he still managed to hit-up a few leads nicely and he looked likely up there. It's good for his development to learn to play a few different roles.
"His last six to seven weeks have been really promising as he's got used to the bigger bodies. He can head to the pre-season with confidence and work on taking his game to another level."
Cam Richardson was quiet as he shuffled between either end of the ground, while the development league's hit-out isn't scheduled until Sunday, giving American-recruit Eric Wallace an extra day to prepare.
Essendon 6.1.37, 8.7.55, 13.13.91, 18.17.125
North Ballarat 6.1.37, 7.3.45, 10.6.66, 13.8.86
Goals
Essendon: Dell'Olio 3, Bate 3, Duscher 2, Jetta 2, P Ambrose 2, Bellchambers 2, Firman, Hille, M Ambrose, O'Brien
North Ballarat: Searl 4, Scott 2, Clifton, George, Driscoll, Rippon, Giampaolo, Sewell, Anthony
Best
Essendon: O'Brien, Hille, Duscher, P Ambrose, Browne, Lovett-Murray
North Ballarat: Searl, Kiel, Sewell, Driscoll, Mabon, Cook
