BACK to work.

The relief was evident last Friday night when Carlton fought out a gritty win against St Kilda - but for Adam Cerra and the Blues, Monday was all about the week ahead.

With a trip to Sydney this week incoming for Marn Grook at the SCG, Cerra said there were valuable lessons the team could take out of the 18-point win, which reinforced many of the things Michael Voss and his players have addressed in recent weeks.

Conceding just 62 points for the game, Cerra said with the team review done and dusted, it was an example of how strong the Blues can be when they’re all bringing their weapons on both sides of the ball.

“It was a good reminder of our strengths, they allow us to compete and show we’re a good team. We knew it was going to be a hard-fought game last Friday, and we showed that when we’re strong in the contest and defend well as a team, we can take it anybody.

“It’s no different to this week… spirits are really high, but we’ve done our review and we’re looking forward now. We had our first day on the track [on Monday] - the energy was up, the boys trained really well and we can’t wait to get up there.”

Coming up against a team that has had the Blues’ measure at the venue for a while, the Blues are well aware of the threats the Swans pose, particularly after coming off a narrow loss against the Bombers where they stormed home to no avail.

With an extra day to prepare this time around after consecutive six-day breaks in recent weeks, Cerra said the Blues had to be right on the edge to make sure “we’ll be ready to go”.

“They’re always a hard, contested style of team with great players we’ll have to be on the lookout for.

“We’ll do our preview, identity a few areas of theirs to try and take away but we’ve also got the be able to bring our strengths - both in the contest and our defence - as well as play with freedom and play some attacking footy off the back of it.”

Having said that, there’s clear gratitude in Cerra’s voice that the midfielder has been able to pull on the Navy Blue guernsey every week so far this year.

That also included a shift in role midway through the game that was lauded by coach Voss, where Cerra - who enjoyed an excellent start to the game in the midfield - had to shift to half-back following in-game injuries to defensive pair Mitch McGovern and Lachie Cowan.

“The strength of this group is boys are well-educated on their roles and have adaptability within the team. We’ve seen all year that boys are playing different roles and getting their job done.

“On the weekend, it was my turn and Lewis Young’s, and we were were more than happy to go and help out… the team comes first.

“The body is feeling great. I’m really grateful to be out there helping the boys, be part of the team and happy to be able to help week by week. For me, I’m not looking too far forward: week by week, make sure I recover well and get ready for the game.”