North Melbourne can expect "ups and downs" after being taught a lesson by an experienced Sydney outfit, according to senior coach Alastair Clarkson. 

The Kangaroos had impressed in recent weeks with two wins and three narrow defeats but after staying with the Swans through the first term were outclassed as the ladder-leaders put the foot down.

An emerging midfield battled hard around the stoppages, with the Swans only winning clearances 38-34, but the Roos were no match once the ball was on the outside as they lost the inside-50 count 64-39.

"It's all experience for these young players, we've got (Harry) Sheezel, (George) Wardlaw and (Tom) Powell and these guys that are just building their resume in terms of exposure to senior AFL footy,” Clarkson said.

"(Tristan) Xerri the ruck playing against (Brodie) Grundy; Grundy's played 200 games, Xerri has played 50.

SWANS v KANGAROOS Full match coverage and stats

"The exposure that they get to these types of contests, you just wish improvement and growth as a footy club is all linear, but you have your ups and downs.

"We've been pretty good for the last month and a bit but we well and truly lowered our colours today.”