mahon was almost ever-present during the 2000–01 season, making 51 appearances in league and cup competitions,<ref name="games played by gavin mahon in 2000/2001"></ref> as brentford once again finished in mid-table. he scored once that season, restoring parity in an away game against bristol city in december 2000, a match that brentford went on to win 2–1. he was also named in the starting line-up for the first competitive final of his career, as brentford lost 2–1 to port vale in the football league trophy final. the campaign also witnessed the first red card of mahon's career, receiving the dismissal in the 83rd minute in a 1–0 home defeat to swindon town towards the latter stages of the season. his fourth straight season at brentford started well, with the club going on an eight-match unbeaten start to the season.<ref name="games played by gavin mahon in 2001/2002"></ref> he made 39 appearances during the season, and was named brentford's player of the year for the campaign despite leaving the west london club three months before the end of the season. during his three-and-a-half years at brentford, mahon made 166 appearances in all competitions, scoring eight goals.