Rather than relying on star turns from the likes of Adam Goodes or absent forwards Barry Hall and Michael O'Loughlin, the Swans' victory was built on an even team effort.
"That's the thing we've been trying to get across to the young guys – just contributing, playing their role, putting pressure on, and tackling," he said.
"It was a good test for us and our young guys to play against probably the best young group of talent going round in AFL footy at the moment.
"It's pleasing to be 2-2 – you always want to do better, but I think we're showing that we can be competitive with a younger team again this year."
Roos conceded his side "dodged a bit of a bullet" when Carlton dominated the first quarter but failed to convert their chances in front of goal.
A raft of positional changes ensued at the first change, including moving Goodes and Heath Grundy up forward and shifting Jarrad McVeigh on to a rampant Chris Judd.
McVeigh was particularly influential, curbing Judd's influence and kicking three crucial goals of his own.
"He's a really smart player and he plays really well on those very dangerous players, so I thought it was significant," Roos said of McVeigh's effort.
Hall was a late withdrawal for the Carlton clash after the groin injury suffered two weeks ago failed to improve during the week.
Roos said the big forward would be assessed again this week, but suggested he would be an unlikely passenger on the plane to Perth when the Swans travel to play Fremantle next weekend.
"He just couldn't really do much Thursday, whereas last week he was able to run pain free. We just don't want it to become a chronic thing, where it turns into four or five weeks," he said.
"He'd be 50/50 at this stage, but we're not expecting it to be a long term thing. If he doesn't play next week, he'll definitely play the week after (against Richmond)."
It was a similar outlook for Michael O'Loughlin, who played his first game of the year with limited time for the Swans reserves in the curtain raiser at the SCG.
"He's a bit of chance, but it's a big ground, Subi, so it'd be hard to take Hally and Mick across if either of them was a bit underdone," Roos said.
