A graduate of the Lakers' under-18s, the slightly built McMahon was an instant success as he booted four early goals to help set up a demolition of Ballarat at the Eastern Oval.

It was no surprise that over four seasons McMahon not only established himself as a star for Lake Wendouree, but also one of the best big marking forwards in the BFL.

Just as he took that progression in his stride, the now 23-year-old has also this year taken the step up to North Ballarat in the Victorian Football League with aplomb.

McMahon made his senior debut for the Selkirk Roosters in the opening round and has not missed a game, becoming an integral member of the North Ballarat forward line.

"I was hoping for a few senior games," McMahon said.

"It was all new to me and I didn't know what I'd be up against.

"Playing every game, I definitely didn't expect it."

McMahon decided after winning Lake Wendouree's best and fairest last year and then being approached by North Ballarat coach Gerard FitzGerald that the time was right to try out with the Roosters.

He did a pre-season with the Roosters at the end of his under-18 days, but work commitments as an apprentice plasterer did not allow him to pursue it.

One of the biggest challenges to move to North Ballarat was going into the unknown.

"I was happy playing footy with my mates.

"I didn't know many of the blokes (at North Ballarat).

"It took me out of my comfort zone."

McMahon said it could not have worked out better.

"It's everything I expected. I'm loving it.

"They're all good blokes around my age. I've made some good mates."

Now McMahon is preparing for what will be only his third appearance in a final since in junior days, when he lines up against Williamstown in a qualifying final at AUSTAR Arena in Ballarat on Sunday.

"I can't wait.

"It's going to be big," he said.