THE VALUE of Friday night's win was not lost on the battered Hawthorn players who will cherish an extended recovery ahead of their fourth straight preliminary final appearance.

After a bruising qualifying final against Geelong, the Hawks have two weeks to recover before playing off at the MCG for a place in the Grand Final.  

Forward Paul Puopolo said the players understood the importance of a win on Friday night, with no team making a Grand Final after losing in the first week of finals since 2006.

"It was a pretty tough game so you don't want to be trying to back it up with sore bodies," Puopolo told AFL.com.au.

"Hopefully with that week off we can freshen up and it's something we've got to look forward to, recovering well.

"The break helps, it helps you save energy and just getting that rest always freshens up blokes.

"You want that break so you can get guys 100 per cent and ready to go so hopefully everyone will be."

Puopolo played an important role on Friday night, pressuring the Cats' defenders as they attempted to rebound but also kicking two goals at important times for his team.

He said the forwards had focused on applying defensive pressure on Friday night, with Geelong renowned for its ability to attack from half-back. 

The Hawks were also switched on defensively up the ground and won the tackle count 81-59.

Puopolo also said the Hawks' even contribution in attack was a key reason for Friday night' result. 

"We've got a lot of guys just bobbing up and kicking goals and if we can keep that up it makes us pretty hard to defend," he said. 

"Not everyone can kick eight goals every week, so just as long as you're playing your role."