(Getty Images)

I reckon the SCG is getting a little nervous now.

The margin is only at 21 points, but in slippery, greasy conditions, it feels like a pretty big lead for Collingwood.

Only three goals for the quarter, but the undermanned Pies controlled large portions of the arm-wrestle and kicked seven behinds – if the Magpies do end up coughing up this lead, they will rue the opportunities they spurned in that second term.

Sydney, meanwhile, will feel they remain well placed for a second-half surge after a promising end to that quarter, especially in the ruck.

We have a massive couple quarters ahead of us.