AFL round one LIVE: Smith stars for Cats; Hawk cops three games; Swans, Lions locked in fierce GF rematch

I know it’s early, and the margin isn’t massive, but I have the feeling this could be a blowout in the second half.

The Pies are dominating Port. They’re smacking them them on the inside, and their pressure once the ball gets out is smothering Port’s running game.

Port can’t get anything done with ease. The Power hung on grimly in the final 10 minutes but they look tired. Aliir Aliir is sucking in the deep ones at the start of the half-time break – and I can understand why.

He and Port’s defence have been under siege, weathering an inside-50 count that reads 33-21 in Collingwood’s favour. Dan Houston has been excellent in defence. Any time he has the ball, Pies fans can relax, confident he will do something constructive with it.

The Pies’ surge from defence – their trademark under Craig McRae – is threatening to sweep Port away. Nick Daicos was much better that quarter. Their forward line looks dangerous, with multiple avenues to goal through Tim Membrey, Brody Mihocek and Jamie Elliott.

Something would have to go awry in the second half for the Pies to drop this one.