In football as in life, defeat can be a far greater teacher than success.

It was just over a month ago that Carlton took Geelong to the cleaners by six goals at the MCG, the Cats second loss to the Blues in a row, after going down late in the 2009 season.

But, according the in-form defender/wingman David Wojcinski, that loss has been a catalyst of sorts for the recent run of good form that has seen the Cats comfortably beat Richmond, Sydney, Brisbane and Collingwood.

“You never want to lose but I think a loss can sometimes give you that kick in the pants you need,” Wojcinski said.

“I am not saying we needed it, but a loss can be a kick in the pants.”

Points scored against is one of the key indicators at Geelong - the less the better obviously.

So the 104 points the Blues racked up against the Cats on that Monday in April was a bit of a concern. But the turnaround in that aspect of the game has been swift.

The average score against in the past four matches has been a much more acceptable 59 points.

And even that was blown out a bit by the 74 points the Lions kicked in the high-scoring encounter at the Gabba which the Cats won by 81 points.

“It is one of the biggest indicators for us, and, especially the past four weeks has been good in that regard,” Wojcinski said.

But the challenges continue and this week Wojcinski is wary of the resurgent Demons who booted 17 goals in Darwin on the weekend to beat Port Adelaide.

It left Melbourne in ninth spot heading towards the half-way mark of the season, a position that has surprised many critics.

“They are on the verge of the top eight so we have to watch out,” Wojcinski said.

“They have got some harder bodies around the ball now and plenty of their players have improved a lot.

“Those young guys as well, I think they have just improved right across the board. “We’ll be preparing just as hard as we did against Collingwood last week.”

One advantage for the Cats is that they get to play at Skilled Stadium, where the Demons have won just once since 1990.

“We love playing at Skilled but the home ground advantage doesn’t mean anything if you don’t come ready to play,” Wojcinski said.

“So far we have found some good form and had a few good wins and dropped some games we probably shouldn’t have.

“Hopefully we can have another win this week.”

Wojcinski has found success running on the wing a bit this season, but he admits the half-back flank is his preference.

“I still feel a lot more comfortable down at half-back,” he said.

“It is only one position between wing and half-back but the way you play is so different in terms of the structures and all.”

Wojcinski’s durability has seen the Heyfield flyer reach 161 games, a fine effort given he missed all but two games in 2005 with injury.