Defender Graham Johncock says his team is looking forward to the challenge of playing another top-four fancy, Sydney, this weekend after falling well short against premiership contenders Hawthorn in round three.

Adelaide currently occupies fourth spot on the AFL ladder having recorded wins against bottom-eight sides of last season, Gold Coast, Western Bulldogs and Port Adelaide, as well as newcomers Greater Western Sydney.

The Crows struggled against the Hawks on the big MCG stage last month, going down by 56 points and Johncock said it was important the visitors put on a better show against the unbeaten Swans at the SCG on Saturday night.

“If we’re going to be a contender we need to play really well against the top-four sides. We’ve already had one challenge against Hawthorn and failed,” Johncock said.

“That game was a bit of a wake-up call for us. We had a good pre-season and our start to the season was pretty good. It was a good learning curve for a few of the guys.

“The Swans are playing really good footy and are a strong chance to finish in the top four at the moment, so it’s going to be another big test for us this week.”

Adelaide hasn’t played at the SCG since round 17, 2008, when Jason Porplyzia defied a dislocated shoulder to kick five goals and steer his team to victory.

The Crows have a good recent record against the always-competitive Swans, having won seven of the past eight matches between the two teams.

“We match up well against them and it might sound a bit weird, but we tend to play well at the SCG and on the smaller ground,” Johncock said.

“We’re pretty confident in our ability at the moment, with the way we’re playing … but Sydney hasn’t lost a game yet and is in fantastic form, so we’re going to have our work cut.”

An established member of Adelaide’s defence in recent seasons, Johncock emerged as an unlikely goalkicker in the Club’s 19-point win over Port Adelaide last weekend.

The Crows’ 2003 leading goalkicker slotted two majors, including a set-shot from 60m out in the final quarter.

“It was a nice to kick a couple,” he said.

“The connection with the footy was pretty good on the second one … I was just hoping it went through.”