AFTER taking care of the Brisbane Lions by 17 points at the Gabba on Saturday night, Sydney coach Paul Roos said the early season injection of youth had already paid dividends for his Swans.

While lauding the work rate of his team in the hard-fought victory, Roos was quick to heap praise on the younger brigade who all played their part.

With less than 20 senior games between them, Jarred Moore booted two inspirational goals, Ed Barlow was energetic and kicked a steadying final quarter major and Craig Bird was more than handy coming off the interchange bench.

Roos admitted the trio's influence went beyond the statistics.

"To compete with the top teams, they're improving with their young guys, and a few of those teams have got some early draft picks, so we've needed to develop some kids," he said.

"There was a few rookies playing tonight who have been elevated and it's really important.

"I think it gives the older guys a bit of a kick as well. They see Jarred Moore kicking goals and Ed Barlow charging around and Craig Bird in his first year - it gives them a bit of excitement.

"(Ex Crow) Marty Mattner is not a young player but I think he's been a great addition as well."

While the young guys played their part, it was the experienced heads of Barry Hall, Adam Goodes, Craig Bolton and Brett Kirk that led the way.

Roos said getting the four points at the Gabba was always a good result.

"I was really pleased. I thought both teams were switched on from the start and they (the Lions) came at us a few times, and the crowd starts roaring and it's a hard place to play so you take that win every day of the week," he said.

"I thought our guys were hard at it in-and-under and we gave our forwards enough chances to kick a score. They came at us a number of times so to steady and get back to two or three goals in front most of the night was pretty impressive."

The Swans' coach said the rivalry between the two clubs was developing strongly and that the Lions had some good football in front of them.

"They're very physical games. You can't pick a rivalry, but gradually I think there's some really good contests and battles.

"It's a different evolving Brisbane team. They've still got some players from the premiership years, Black, Brown, Lappin and Power, and we tend to put a lot of work into those guys because they're very important.

"We try and put as much pressure as we can on their better players and sometimes it works reasonably well but they're evolving and getting better.

"They got really close and could have easily won the game."

Despite Lions forward Daniel Bradshaw kicking five goals, Roos said he never considered moving Leo Barry who he had ultimate faith in.

He praised the work of Goodes, who with 26 touches, continues to improve after a slower start to the season.