Collingwood has been anointed as a "new premiership favourite" after a blistering display against Port Adelaide at the MCG.
Both teams came into round two on the back of solid wins in the first week of the season, but the Power were no match for the Magpies, who ran out comfortable 21. 9. (135) to 9. 10. (64) winners.
The clash of the two round one winners was billed as a potential blockbuster, but the Pies opened up with a seven-goal first quarter and never looked back, leading at every change.
LIVE COVERAGE: NRL Super Saturday action, highlights
EXCLUSIVE: 'Misguided' response to transgender ban torched
THE MOLE: Shark's admission amid early-season slump
"That sets a mark for the competition for 2023," Melbourne great Garry Lyon said on Fox Footy's coverage.
"There's a long, long, long way to go, but they look like they've got better than they were last year, and we know last year they went within a couple of breaths (of a grand final)."
Kangaroos premiership great David King was left in awe of Collingwood coach Craig McRae's offensive game plan as the Pies piled on goal after goal.
"He wants to score, Craig McRae, he wants to go forward with some urgency, he wants to use corridor," he said on Fox Footy's coverage.
"Their forward 50 has been amazing, their ball use has been terrific … But it's been their hunt at ground level.
"I'm in awe of what they're doing, their scoring power is just next level stuff. This is a new premiership favourite right here."
Port Adelaide came into the game tagging Pies superstar Nick Daicos, but the second-year star broke the tag in spectacular fashion, exploding for a game-high 32 disposals.
https://twitter.com/DanielGarb/status/1639498638828404737https://twitter.com/DanielCherny/status/1639468184481976320
The 20-year-old kicked two goals in a frightening display, while his brother Josh was also among Collingwood's best with 26 disposals and 574 metres gained.
Daicos was one of six multiple goalkickers for Collingwood, while Charlie Dixon (three goals) and Todd Marshall (two) were the only Power players to kick multiple majors.
Collingwood will aim to make it three wins from three when it faces Richmond next week, while Port will face their cross-town rivals Adelaide in the Showdown in round three.
For a daily dose of the best of the breaking news and exclusive content from Wide World of Sports, subscribe to our newsletter by clicking here!
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.