Despite North Melbourne going goalless through the first half for the first time since 1979, Alastair Clarkson saw positives in his young side’s efforts.

"Everyone would've seen some opportunities that we had, particularly in the first half, when there were three chances that were nearly walk-in sodas and somehow we found a way to miss them," Clarkson said post match.

"The Saints missed some shots too, so in terms of the quality of the game as a spectacle, it wasn't there on both sides.

"But in terms of the contest ... we were in that game of footy."

While the four points eluded the Roos again, Clarkson took something away from Marvel Stadium.

"You look for little wins and sometimes that’s opportunities for young kids, it's players playing on specific opponents," he said.

"We take these little wins out of the game. All it does is show we’re getting closer to a win – not quite there yet, but hopefully we'll be there pretty soon."

KANGAROOS v SAINTS Full match coverage and stats

Clarkson also addressed the return of Tarryn Thomas in the VFL on Sunday, the Roo collecting 18 disposals in the side's 66-point win over Sandringham.

"He performed well in his first game back ... so he's just building his match fitness," Clarkson said.

"He's got another week in the VFL program, I'm led to believe, and then he'll be back in the AFL program.

"Once he's back in the AFL program we'll just see what his fitness level and match conditioning is like.

"If he continues to do what we require him to do then hopefully he'll be available for selection pretty soon."