Geelong has a problem with Hayden Ballantyne.

For the second time in as many years a Cats player will miss a match for striking the Dockers' forward.

The AFL's match review panel today charged Johnson with a level two offence for his blow to Ballantyne's stomach during Saturday's NAB Cup match at Patersons Stadium.

And because of carryover points Johnson can only bargain his penalty to one match with an early guilty plea.

The AFL changed the rules this year so that penalties for tribunal offences will be served during the home-and-away season, meaning Johnson will miss the opening round clash with Hawthorn.

Last year retired Cats defender Matthew Scarlett was banned for hitting Ballantyne on the chin.

Contact between Essendon forward Michael Hurley and Western Bulldogs midfielder Adam Cooney was also assessed, but the match review panel ruled the force used to be below the level required for a reportable offence.