Sydney will take some confidence into round one of the AFL season after demolishing North Melbourne by 42 points in their last pre-season match at Narrandera in southern NSW.

A rapid six goals in the final 10 minutes of the third quarter was enough to set it up for the Swans, who triumphed 14.15 (99) to 8.9 (57) in a dominant performance.

Both sides were fielding full-strength squads in their last hitout before round one, but it was Sydney that appeared to have hit their straps early.

After a tight first quarter, the Swans had the Kangaroos' measure for the remainder of the night, extending a 15-point halftime lead at will in the second half.

The Roos did boot the first two goals after the main break to get within three points before the Swans broke away with six goals in quick succession.

The Kangaroos, who struggled all night to get within their forward 50, weren't able to recover.

Ryan O'Keefe, the Swans' best and fairest last year, starred for his team with four goals, while an equally sharp Adam Goodes and Jesse White chipped in when needed.

Veteran Drew Petrie was good for the Roos to start and kicked two goals before fading in front of 6181 fans at the Narrandera Sports Ground in NSW's Riverina district.

The Kangaroos actually began the better, with Ben Warren excellent in the midfield, repeatedly cutting a swathe through the packs.

The Roos were three goals up before Petrie - a prominent target up front - fluffed an easy shot, which signalled a turnaround for the Swans.

They booted the final three to lead the quarter 3.4 (22) to 3.2 (20) and barely looked back after that.

Swans coach Paul Roos was happy with how much ball his players got, but said inaccurate kicking and some poor use of the footy still let them down.

But he said wresting control of the game halfway through the first quarter was significant.

"The first 15 minutes of the first quarter was as critical as the third quarter because it probably arrested the momentum for us," he said.

"Three (goals) can suddenly turn into five and six."

With the game a likely audition ahead of round one, both Roos and North's assistant coach Shane Watson said there were spots still up for grabs.

Watson said the Roos' midfield needs work.

"It was just a good lesson for those guys to play against an experienced midfield, even though they probably got beaten on the day," he said.

"Heading into round one, that's a real bonus for our guys."

The Swans host St Kilda in round one on March 27, while the Roos will travel to Adelaide to play Port on March 28.

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