"I don't think we've taken a step back, but it's only a very small step forward," Bailey said after the 18-point defeat.
"I don't think it was a backwards step – if anything it was probably almost stagnant with maybe a little bit of movement forward just because of the players who we gave some really valuable experience to in the game."
After a disappointing first half that set up the result, the Demons challenged the Swans in the second. Bailey was happy with the work rate of his team all day, but was left to lament some atrocious kicking in front of goal.
"We did miss some opportunities and our goal kicking probably did let us down, but I thought the effort was still there," he said.
"We were able to hang into a game that was really about congested and contested ball around the stoppages. I thought we hung in there and we created some opportunities, but unfortunately we were unable to kick the goals when we needed them."
Bailey was unsure whether the wayward kicking would condemn his players to another dip in the icy waters of Port Phillip Bay at training this week, but he did promise to revisit the crucial facet of the game.
"We'll have a look at goal kicking again, we'll keep working on it; we have for the whole year," he said.
"When you're kicking for goal I think it's more of a mindset and attitude thing rather than anything else. I don't think it's something where you throw your complete routine out the window, but the best practice you get is in the game."
Cale Morton was one of the bright, young prospects that Bailey highlighted with the youngster's job on playmaker Adam Goodes drawing his praise.
"I thought he acquitted himself pretty well," he said.
"There were at least half a dozen occasions in the first three quarters when he contested the ball in the air well. He looked comfortable playing on an outstanding player in Adam Goodes and it's great experience for him."
Kyle Cheney copped a calf injury and was proppy toward the end of the game. Liam Jurrah also finished the game with a minor ankle injury.
