Ablett wound back the clock at the MCG as the Cats outlasted the Hawks in a thrilling 17.11 (113) to 13.12 (90) finish to go top of the ladder.

In a high-quality match full of big moments, Ablett delivered the highlight with a second-quarter screamer on the back of David Mirra.

Soaring above his opponent in a way that instantly brought to mind his famous father's heroics, the little master kicked truly to extend the Cats' lead.

"It was a big mark. I haven't seen him take too many hangers," coach Chris Scott joked.

"It's what we were hoping we would get from him, to be honest. And I think maybe our expectations have been a little bit misrepresented.

"We knew what we were getting - a (near) 35-year-old who fits extremely well into our (total player payments) structure and could add something in the big moments.

"If that was our baseline expectation, then in our mind he's exceeded it."

Ablett had his second goal minutes later, expertly receiving a handpass from Luke Dahlhaus and finishing on the outside of his boot from the forward pocket.

A pantomime villain in one of the AFL's enduring rivalries, Ablett was roundly booed by the Hawks-dominated crowd from the moment he lined up against Hawthorn opponent Jack Gunston.

But by the time Ablett received a handball from Joel Selwood on the verge of three-quarter time and unleashed from 50m out for his third major, it was clear the two-time Brownlow Medallist had won the day.

Speaking to the Seven Network after the game, Ablett shrugged off the Hawthorn supporters' boos.

"It happens most weeks," he said.

"You get used to it. Good to get the win.

"It is nice to kick a few goals. Obviously a different role for me this year up forward and I'm really enjoying it."

Australian Associated Press