At half-time the GIANTS' players were told that Jonathon Patton had been sent to hospital for scans on his right knee and that Phil Davis and Callan Ward would take no further part in the game.
"Our coaches told us they were pretty devastated and we wanted to do it for them, really," Hoskin-Elliott told AFL.com.au.
Hoskin-Elliott kicked three goals – the second best tally of his 36-game career – to lead the side to victory.
He used his pace and kicking ability to full effect, and slammed on two goals in the final term.
"That last quarter was just crazy," Hoskin-Elliott said. "The boys were getting a lot of the footy and it just seemed to be a lot of fun out there."
Hoskin-Elliott said the team was hungry for a win after six successive losses and was determined to play four quarters. He said winning at the MCG for the first time made the victory especially significant.
The 20-year-old, pick No.4 in the 2011 NAB AFL Draft, has kicked at least one goal in 13 games this season for a season's tally of 20.
He said the win proved the GIANTS would continue to head in the right direction provided they held on to the talent on their list.
"If we can keep them all it's going to be a good future," Hoskin-Elliott said.
