Barry Hall led a long list of contributors as the Sydney Swans laid claim to a spot in the AFL top four with a controlled 13-point win over Adelaide at the SCG.

Approaching the high standard it promised coming into this season, Sydney kicked 8.10 (58) to Adelaide's 6.9 (45), extinguishing the Crows' finals hopes.

While Hall's career-best form continued with four goals, taking his tally to 53 for the season, he was also punishing in defence with ferocious tackling.

Michael O'Loughlin kicked his 300th career goal but would have been disappointed that inaccuracy left him with 2.3 for the match.

But it was the even performance that would have pleased coach Paul Roos the most.

After a patchy start to the season, Sydney's midfield looked at its dangerous best as the clever Brett Kirk, who was best on ground, was ably assisted by Jude Bolton.

Having done a reasonable job on an opportunity starved David Neitz the week before, Ben Rutten went okay on Hall until the Sydney spearhead picked him up and drove him head first into the turf in the final minute of the first quarter.

Nathan Bock was a standout for the Crows, and could claim a draw in his match-up on Adam Goodes.

Adelaide brought in former Swan Scott Stevens but he failed to impress while James Gallagher collected more than 10 possessions.

Sydney had kicked 7.5 to Adelaide's 3.5 for a 24-point lead at halftime, but the Swans added only 1.3 to the Crows 0.1 in the third quarter as the Crows slowed the pace of the game dramatically.

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