GEELONG coach Mark Thompson believes his side’s fast-paced football can break Hawthorn’s zone in Friday night's much-anticipated blockbuster at the MCG.

Acknowledging the recent success of St Kilda and the Bulldogs against the Hawks, Thompson is wary yet confident the reigning premier can counter their cluster style.

"Tactically it will be a very interesting game," he said from Skilled Stadium on Wednesday.

"We’d like to not go too far away from what we do but we certainly have to make some alterations to how we play because, in effect, that cluster or zone they implement has worked for them and it’s a good strategy.

"But the way we play, there is a chance to actually break through it."

Thompson doubts a major psychological advantage could accompany a win over the third-placed Hawks, referring to Geelong’s round 21 loss to Port Adelaide last year. Five weeks later, the Cats demolished the Power by 119 points in a lop-sided grand final.

And Thompson does not believe either side will be burdened with more pressure going into Friday night's game.

"Everyone’s been waiting a while for us two to play, so there’s pressure on both," he said.

"You just know that now it really is the pointy end of the season and our players are quite motivated and looking forward to it."

Since the round nine loss to Collingwood, the Cats have won their past seven games by an average of 67 points, while conceding a miserly nine goals per outing in that time.

They are $1.70 favourites for the flag – the shortest price of any side at this stage of the year since Essendon in 2000.

"It’s not something I worry about," Thompson said of the odds.

"They are pretty short odds. It’s a long way out and a lot can happen. Who can predict injuries and weather and where we play?"

The coach believes the team’s recent good form can be attributed to the season nearing its climax, and hopes the experience of 2007 will provide an edge over sides including Hawthorn.

"You’d think it would have to be," he said. "Again it’s not certain and it’s not guaranteed, but you’d think the more they play bigger games, and we have got a pretty experienced team now, they would condition themselves to bigger games.

"I’m like our supporters in that I’ve got a lot of admiration for the players and this team and what they are capable of doing.

"In a lot of ways I sit back and watch them too, because as a coach you can’t do much more."

Thompson also suggested that Andrew Mackie may be given the nod ahead of Matthew Scarlett, captain Tom Harley, Harry Taylor and Darren Milburn to play on damaging Hawks forward Lance Franklin.

"To Mackie’s credit he’s been outstanding on the bigger blokes," Thompson said.

"Whether we play him on Franklin or not, we’ll have our final meeting in the morning and work that all out."

David Wojcinski, a late withdrawal last week with achilles soreness, is rated some chance to return.