Ben Mabon is establishing himself as a genuine ruckman after another brilliant display for North Ballarat in the VFL on Saturday.  

Against the odds, the 21-year-old was the dominant big-man on the ground despite going up against Werribee's Daniel Currie and Majak Daw.

"It was good to go against Crusher (Currie) and Maj (Daw), two really good opponents who I have a lot of respect for.  I think there's a mutual respect out there," Mabon said after the Rooster's 17-point win.

The youngster openly admitting to emulating one of the AFL's best.

"It can be a real challenge but I like being the solo ruckman and having that responsibility, it's something I wanted. It's a bit like Goldy (Todd Goldstein) in the one's...I'm trying to model myself off that.

"Obviously I've still got a long way to go with my tank (fitness) and competitiveness around the ground, but it's good to get that opportunity on my own."

Although he's had a promising few months, Mabon knows he has a long way to go.

"There's still a lot to work on. Hopefully I can keep improving, it's all I'm hoping to do and if I get an opportunity in the firsts one day down the track, I'll grab it with both hands."

While trying to play down his feats, the number 40 can't escape a bit of attention after amassing 41 hit-outs, 12 possessions and 1 goal.

"It's a big challenge obviously up against Currie and Daw and Ben was playing 90 percent in the ruck against Werribee's two genuine high-quality ruckmen," development coach Josh Drummond told NMFC.com.au.

"He set himself to the task and I was very impressed with his intent and the way he went about it. He's had a really good couple of months and I think his game has improved significantly in that period."

North's head of development John Lamont agreed.

"He was the best of our big players, he covered them (Currie and Daw) in the ruck I thought."

For now, it's about learning as much as he can and using the wealth of knowledge he has around him at Aegis Park, even if that means buddying up with his opponents.

"It will be good this week, I'll be able to go through vision with Crusher and Maj, we'll be able to bounce ideas off each other and see where we all need to improve," Mabon said.