The new youthful Sydney gave Essendon a "rude awakening" as it beat the Bombers by eight points in a high scoring AFL trail at North Sydney Oval.

The Swans led at every change, but had to survive a final quarter Essendon fightback before recording a 19.13 (127) to 19.5 (119) win in the 15-a-side match.

Forwards Barry Hall and Scott Stevens both kicked five goals for Sydney, though the former played only the first half for a Swans team stacked with youngsters after the main break.

The Swans led by as much as 40 in the second quarter, but surrendered a 32-point advantage in the final term after the Bombers kicked six unanswered goals to sneak ahead.

Stevens regained the lead for Sydney with his fifth goal and youngster Adam Schneider sealed the win with another late major.

Essendon spearhead Matthew Lloyd headed the Bombers score sheet with four goals, but coach Kevin Sheedy let some of his established stars know he was far from impressed with their form.

"I think that some of our senior players probably got a rude awakening, because when they went off the team played better and I told them that," Sheedy said.

"I think we've got a bit to do."

Both coaches were surprised by the quality of Sydney's performance with Hall, new backline recruit Craig Bolton and a livewire midfield galvanising the Swans.

Sydney coach Paul Roos was delighted with his team's skill level and delivery into the forward line.

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