But for Cats recruit Jared Rivers, every win is a great win.
In his last six seasons with Melbourne, Rivers tasted victory during the home and away season on just 21 occasions.
Round 3 NAB Cup teams
Compare that to Geelong skipper Joel Selwood, who played in 111 wins during the same period.
"It was great," Rivers told AFL.com.au, reflecting on the Cats' 63-point thrashing of the Crows last weekend.
"I walked off the ground with a big smile, even though it was just the NAB Cup.
"It was really exciting to play like we did and win like we did.
"It was exciting to get out there and get a few kicks and win a game of footy, which I haven't done for a while."
Rivers played 150 games (54 wins, 93 losses and three draws) for Melbourne between 2003 and 2012.
His time at the Demons included its share of highlights, including winning the NAB Rising Star award in 2004 and playing finals in 2004, '05 and '06 under the coaching of Neale Daniher.
But his latter years at the club were dominated by losses, and this was part of the reason why he jumped at the chance to join Geelong during the inaugural free agency period last October.
Starting out at the Cats was a daunting experience.
"I was very nervous," Rivers said. "It was pretty much like going to school again, I guess.
"Although I went to school with Andrew Mackie and we've stayed good friends over the years, so that made it a bit easier.
"But I was definitely nervous. I wasn't too sure what to expect and that kind of thing.
"But the boys have been fantastic. The whole club has been really supportive, and I've fitted in really well, which is great."
Having recently finished renovating his house in Port Melbourne, Rivers has opted against relocating his whole life to Geelong.
"I don't mind the driving, and Jimmy Bartel's living down here at the moment, so we've been commuting together a bit," Rivers explained.
"It's been good getting to know him a lot better, so the driving hasn't been too bad."
Rivers and Bartel were both standout performers in the Cats' win over Adelaide last weekend.
Playing across half-forward, Bartel gathered 28 possessions and kicked two goals, while Rivers looked right at home in the Geelong backline, collecting 20 touches and taking seven marks.
"It's been great, mate," Rivers said. "I've really enjoyed it.
"It's good to start playing footy after a long pre-season, like most boys would say.
"I'm taking the second forward or third forward, and I'm just trying to play my role there and help Harry Taylor and the other guys out as much as I can.
"Harry and Tom Lonergan will usually take the big guns, and if they need a chop-out I'll be there to help as much as possible.
"I've been really enjoying that role. Learning off those types of guys, who have had so much success over the last few years, is great for me. They've been fantastic.
"I'm 28, but I'm learning a lot about how I can improve."
Although there are still two pre-season games to get through, Rivers already has his sights set on Geelong's round one clash with Hawthorn.
"I can't wait to get out there again," he said. "It's good to get started in my new environment and play with some of the great players in the competition."
Jared Rivers is a defender in AFL Fantasy. He averaged 58 points in 2012. Register your team at our AFL Fantasy hub.
Adam McNicol covers Geelong news for AFL.com.au. Follow him on Twitter at @AFL_AdamMcNicol
