GEELONG picked up the grand final threads where it left them, but not without a second-half scare against a more competitive Port Adelaide at AAMI Stadium last night.

The Power earned respect for its dogged fightback to go down by only nine points, but for the most part, never really looked like causing the greatest turnaround in VFL/AFL history from a grand final to the start of a new season.

If there was any doubt early that the Cats would falter in the rematch, it lasted only 44 seconds when Warren Tredrea took a strong mark and handballed off for an easy goal for Brett Ebert. Maybe there were palpitations when the Power led by 11 points 12 minutes later, but generally, as much as Port threw itself at the ball — and, at times, the man — there was no contest in the first half.

To lead by 16 points at quarter-time — against a strong breeze, and with Port already retreating with backward passing and Dean Brogan loose in defence — was an outstanding start to Geelong's defence of its crown. It ultimately proved the winning quarter.

It was obvious early, perhaps a reminder of September, that Geelong was simply far too physically, and maybe mentally, strong for Port. As gallant as it was, the Power was outmuscled, even by the midfielders. In most positions, it was like men playing against schoolboys.

Port's skills were questionable at times, too, including poor displays from its more experienced players. In contrast, Geelong worked hard and slowly ironed out its new-season flaws.

Setting the pace more than most were the dynamic Paul Chapman, who picked up 10 disposals in the first term, the head-shaven Gary Ablett, Steve Johnson and Cameron Mooney. Familiar names, aren't they?

Adding credence to Geelong's win was the fact Port did not lack determination. Brushed aside too often, yes, but like a little terrier, it continued to stir the Cats. Predictably, Port responded to its disappointing start with the breeze, reflected best by Daniel Motlop's bruising bump on Shannon Byrnes, sending him to the turf and to the bench.

However, there was little conversion for the generally few quality efforts that were produced — it was more of a case of Geelong being outstanding than Port showing ineptitude. The pressure from constant tackles, not to mention the frenetic pace, forced Port into errors, and was reminiscent of the pressure applied by the Cats in last year's grand final.

By half-time, the Cats led by 31 points — 18 scoring shots to seven, and had entered the 50-metre arc 32 times to 19.

Throughout this encounter, Port coach Mark Williams found it difficult to allow some of his kids to finish off big challenges, including Matt Thomas, who stood Chapman early, only to be replaced by Kane Cornes. Later, Thomas found himself on Jimmy Bartel. The "kid" was far from disgraced, but ultimately could not stop his opponents. One of the most pleasing things for Port was the terrific performance by Paul Stewart, who was making his AFL debut.

As the scoreboard suggested, Geelong had numerous reasons to be pleased about this win. Tom Hawkins has retained his brilliance, including the ability to pluck unlikely goals — as he did on the run from the right boundary 10 metres from the behind post — and mark strongly.

Joel Selwood, who seems to have played more than 22 games, was superb. The long-time regulars such as Matthew Scarlett, who gave second-year full-forward Justin Westhoff a lesson, and James Kelly merely added to the strength. Westhoff was later sent to the back line.

Geelong obviously had the manpower, but it was the emphatic manner in which it moved the ball — clean, precise and with authority — that made it so impressive.

Port struggled up forward, even though Tredrea had some occasional fine moments that suggested he will have a better season. Key players expected to do well like David Rodan and Shaun Burgoyne were prevented from having significant impact.

GEELONG 6.4 10.8 12.11 15.15 (105)
PORT ADELAIDE 4.0 6.1 10.5 14.12 (96)
BEST: Geelong: P. Chapman, G. Ablett, J. Corey, A. Mackie, J. Sel wood, D. Milburn.
Port: B. Lade, K. Cornes, M. Thomas, S. Salopek, P. Stewart, S. Burgoyne.
GOALS: Geelong: P. Chapman, M. Stokes 3, C. Mooney, 2, T. Hawkins, G. Ablett, C. Ling, S. Johnson, J. Corey, R. Gamble, A. Mackie.
Port: B. Ebert 3, B. Lade, W. Tredrea, D. Motlop 2, S. Burgoyne, J.Westhoff, T. Logan, T. Boak, C. Cornes.
INJURIES: Geelong: J. Hunt (ankle).
REPORT: D. Motlop (Port) by field umpire M. Avon for allegedly charging J. Corney during the third term.
UMPIRES: C. Donlon, B. Rosebury, M. Avon.
CROWD: 28,206 at AAMI Stadium.