COLLINGWOOD issued a warning to the rest of the competition in 2023 with a stylish and comprehensive 71-point victory over Port Adelaide at the MCG on Saturday afternoon.

The Magpies' all-action game style was on show, particularly in a first-half demolition when they piled on nine goals in a row, after Port kicked three of the first five, before running out winners 21.9 (135) to 9.10 (64).

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Both sides came into the game after impressive round one victories against premiership contenders, but the Magpies walked away with a statement win enhancing their own flag credentials.

Collingwood was efficient, kicking six goals from its first 12 inside 50s and booting 21 goals from 352 disposals for the game. The Pies won a lopsided contested possession count (155-98), along with 38-25 hitouts, helping a 39-27 clearance advantage.

Nick and Josh Daicos were outstanding, the former shaking off an early Lachie Jones tag to finish with a game-high 32 disposals with 11 score involvements and six inside 50s along with a brilliant running goal after a classy one-two with Scott Pendlebury and another from a tough angle late in the last term.

The Daicos brothers combined for 58 disposals, with Josh having 26, and a collective 1,235 metres gained.

Pies ruckman Darcy Cameron was influential, having 18 disposals with four contested marks and 29 hitouts for the game, while veterans Steele Sidebottom and Pendlebury contributed excellently, the latter having a joint game-high six tackles.

Brody Mihocek booted three goals before being subbed off with a finger injury, while Charlie Dixon managed three for the Power.

Port had few winners, with intercept defender Aliir Aliir struggling throughout due to Collingwood's forward pressure and quick movement, giving up three free kicks inside 50.

The game started at a high pace, with eight collective goals within the first 20 minutes, with Beau McCreery's snap taking a kind bounce to initiate Collingwood's run of nine goals.

Port dropped its tag on Daicos with Jones unable to quell his influence, the 20-year-old gathering nine first-quarter touches, before his brilliant second-quarter goal after Pendlebury's over-the-head one-two handpass into space.

Kane Farrell snapped Collingwood's run with a long-range goal and Port managed three in a row either side of half-time, but the damage was done, with the Pies having opened up a 55-point lead late in the second term.

The speed of the game dropped off in the third, with Port trying to narrow the half-time contested possessions deficit (81-47), closing to within six goals and winning the quarter.

But the visitors were never genuinely in contention in the second half, with Bobby Hill and the outstanding Jamie Elliott igniting the home crowd after combining for a final-term goal, before Daicos put the icing on the cake.

Can you actually tag Nick Daicos?
There had been plenty of discussion about tagging Nick Daicos in the lead-up to this game with Pies coach Craig McRae stating he would if he was the opposition coach and Ken Hinkley obliged, with Jones starting on him. That seemed wise after Daicos had a quiet opening few minutes, before he kicked into gear, working hard to win the ball and having an equal game-high nine disposals by quarter-time. Hinkley subsequently dropped the tag in the second. Daicos' workrate and Collingwood's desire to get the ball in his hands means teams attempting to tag him may have to think again.

New recruit proves his worth
Key defender Billy Frampton was hardly a glamorous off-season acquisition for the Pies but the loss of Jeremy Howe to a broken forearm means he will take on an important role. Frampton lined up against Charlie Dixon in his club debut and gave away a clumsy 50m penalty leading to the opening goal but settled as the contest wore on and finished with five marks. That will please Pies fans in the knowledge he can cover Howe's absence, freeing up the likes of Darcy Moore, who had a game-high 10 intercept possessions.

Port's reality check after round one tease
The Power hinted they may be back to their 2020 and 2021 best with their round one second-half demolition of Brisbane but they were brought back to earth with a big thud by the Pies. After an underwhelming 2022 season, where they missed the finals altogether, the jury is out on Hinkley's side who conceded their highest score since round 22, 2019, with Collingwood's forward line completely overwhelming them every time the ball entered their 50. It's amazing to think Port were hammered by almost 12 goals, yet only lost the inside 50 count 57-47.

COLLINGWOOD           7.2      13.5      15.7      21.9 (135)
PORT ADELAIDE         3.3        5.4        8.7       9.10 (64)

GOALS 
Collingwood: Mihocek 3, McCreery 2, Elliott 2, J.Daicos 2, Adams 2, N.Daicos 2, Sidebottom, Mitchell, McStay, McInnes, Hoskin-Elliott, Hill, De Goey, Cox
Port Adelaide: Dixon 3, Marshall 2, Rozee, Georgiades, Farrell, Fantasia

BEST 
Collingwood: N.Daicos, Cameron, J.Daicos, Sidebottom, Elliott, Pendlebury
Port Adelaide: Dixon, Drew, Powell-Pepper, Rioli

INJURIES 
Collingwood: Mihocek (finger)
Port Adelaide: Nil

SUBSTITUTES 
Collingwood: Reef McInnes (replaced Brody Mihocek in fourth quarter)
Port Adelaide: Travis Boak (replaced Jase Burgoyne in third quarter)

Crowd: 60,744 at the MCG