The Hawks rolled over the Cats to win by a comfortable 26 points, and Ablett was outstanding – a game-high 34 disposals, eight contested possessions (a tally beaten only by Norm Smith Medallist Luke Hodge), five tackles, and an equal-team-high two goals.
It was a philosophical Thompson who faced the media after the defeat, and he regularly praised Hawthorn, the team that for most of the year looked most likely to be able to give Geelong a run for its money in the decider.
"To win premierships, you need to do everything right, and Hawthorn was absolutely spectacular today," he conceded.
"They were great. For their captain (Sam Mitchell) to not have much influence, and for their leading goal-kicker (Buddy Franklin) not to have a great day ... (Xavier) Ellis' 28 possessions ... some of their players were just outstanding.
"They're well-drilled, a good team – they beat us on the day, fair and square. On this day, they've got the points and the premiership, and they thoroughly deserve it."
Thompson was just as impressed with Ablett, who finished second in the voting for the Norm Smith medal behind Hodge. The Cats coach said he wouldn't have been surprised if Ablett had emulated his legendary father and won the medal playing in a losing side, as Gary Ablett Snr did in 1989 when the Hawks beat Geelong.
"Gary Ablett's performance was sensational. He looked like he just wanted to win so much," Thompson said.
"I wish he had a few friends in that same frame of mind.
"I was thinking about it, to be honest, at the end of the game. Like everybody, I was wondering who they would give it to, because I thought Gary may have been up there in the voting somewhere."
Thompson's final statement of the media conference summed up his sentiments: "Go and talk to the Hawks – they deserve it."
