SIGNS that a number of crucial players were returning to form has Geelong coach Chris Scott excited once again about the Cats' prospects in 2016.

The Cats' win over Adelaide not only pushed them back into the top four but eased the pressure on key forward Tom Hawkins and midfielders Cam Guthrie, Steve Motlop and Mark Blicavs.

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Hawkins kicked four goals while Guthrie had 25 disposals and laid eight tackles.

The rollercoaster that is Steve Motlop found time and space again while Blicavs – in the back-up rucking role with Zac Smith absent – had his biggest impact for a month with 21 disposals.

WATCH: Hawkins' timely resurgence

"We've had a few guys that have been down and a few guys under pressure internally," Scott said.

"We're, I can honestly say, excited about what we can do if we can get a lift from probably a third of the team that are below expectations." 

It was Geelong's second win over Adelaide this year with the Crows recording their two lowest scores of the season against the Cats.

Five talking points: Geelong v Adelaide

The coach said the Cats' defence had tightened up since the loss to the Sydney Swans but it was coming off a low base that was established in that game.

"It needed a lot of work and right across the ground we're aiming to keep improving our game," Scott said.

Scott was impressed with rookie Sam Menegola on debut and he described Jed Bews' performance on Eddie Betts as amazing, with the 22-year-old playing just his fourth game for the season. 

Bews showed pace and courage to take the game on, injecting some unpredictability into the Cats' rebound. 

"We're starting to get to the position where we have got some options, good availability and good players playing in the VFL, which is hard for them and good for the team," Scott said.

WATCH: Chris Scott's full post-match press conference

He said the build-up to next week's clash when Corey Enright breaks the club's games record and Jimmy Bartel reaches the 300-game milestone would reflect the personalities of the individuals being honoured.

"There are a lot more flamboyant players out there off the field than those two. We'll take the lead from them," Scott said.