AN ECSTATIC Mark Thompson says his side willed itself to win over Hawthorn at the MCG on Friday night.

Geelong led for most of the night after a terrific first term, but the Hawks kept edging back and took the lead early in the last quarter.

But the Cats simply imposed themselves on the contest and forged an 11-point win that looked unlikely after they were outscored three goals to one in the third.

Hit by injury before and during the game, it was testament to the character of a side that has lost just twice since round five last year.

"It was pretty tough, we didn't have everything go right for us," Thompson said. "We were playing a pretty good team, and we lost momentum a few times, and regained it.

"In the end I just thought our will to win was better than the opposition's, especially by some of our midfielders."

Thompson said the message at three-quarter time was nothing out of the ordinary.

"There wasn't anything startlingly motivational from the coaching group, it was left to them (the players), as it always is," he said.

"I think what they said to us in the end – and to the footy world – was that they didn't want to lose this game of footy.

"They probably went over and above the call of duty, some of them, to help this team get over the line.

"(Corey) Enright, Joel Corey, (Jimmy) Bartel, (Joel) Selwood, David Johnson to a point – there were a lot of guys who just wanted to win the game of footy.

"Steve Johnson I should put in there too – I never mention him."

The last two weeks have seen the Cats knock off the two teams directly below them on the ladder, but Thompson said that wouldn't make any difference come September.

"I don't think it really counts for that much, because when we play Hawthorn or the Bulldogs again, the teams will be different," he said.

"We're hopeful to have Gary (Ablett) back, and (Cameron) Ling back, and (Darren) Milburn, and (David) Wojcinski, so I don't think tonight counts for that much.

"We didn't win it convincingly. We never crushed them, it was a really tight affair, so they should be pretty proud of their efforts too, Hawthorn.

"They're a good football team and we respect them.

"And they haven't lost any respect tonight."