It’s been a patient battle for Ben Mabon, but his tireless work to improve his game at ground level is beginning to pay dividends.

On Saturday, his improvement was on show against Geelong at Simonds Stadium. At 102 kilograms, the Cats’ 2011 premiership ruckman Trent West had a significant advantage over Mabon, who weighs in at 89kg. However, despite the size differential the developing Kangaroo more than held his own around the ground, against a player he regards highly.

“West definitely got me in the ruck but it was a great experience playing on a premiership player,” Mabon told NMFC.com.au.

“You want to follow in their footsteps and he’s a big strong man. It was a really good experience for me to play against a guy of his calibre.”

Development coach Josh Drummond explained the need for Mabon to excel when the ball hits the ground.

“We know he’s not an Aaron Sandilands type and not one of those big ruckmen who dominate the hit-outs. So he needs to find his own niche and his own way to influence games,” he said.

“He’s been really good at his follow-ups which he has been working on the whole year. It’s about competing and staying in the contest the whole time; not being a ruckman who contests the ball-ups and then you don’t see him.”

Sometimes it can be hard to quantify just how well Mabon’s follow-up work is tracking.

“A lot of the time you won’t get a stat,” the 21-year-old said.

“Russian (Alex Ishchenko, ruck coach) and Drummo always say the midfielders just want the ruckman to give a contest. Whether it’s just going in and getting a body on (an opponent) or just getting your hand on the footy to hold it up for a secondary stoppage, that’ll be a good result.”

Without the ability to track his effort via pure numbers, a lot of his work is judged by Mabon’s fellow midfield group and the coaches at the breaks. It makes for a honest appraisal, but one the ruckman is happy to face.

“Drummo will come up and tell me I’m following up well and to get to the contest. Then the midfielders will tell me to keep helping out as much as I can.”

Depending on the match, Mabon can face a wide variety of opponents. From AFL-listed players to VFL journeymen, each ruckman provides its own set of challenges.

“I obviously set myself to play against the very best players, but there are VFL ruckmen who aren’t (AFL) listed and are just fantastic players,” he added.

“I don’t go into any game more ready than any other because if you sit back and get complacent you’re going to get shown up.”