ANOTHER incident involving Fremantle forward Hayden Ballantyne has cost Geelong.
Cats forward Steve Johnson is set to miss the club's round-one blockbuster against Hawthorn after being charged with striking Ballantyne in Saturday night's NAB Cup clash at Patersons Stadium.
Johnson was charged with a level-two striking offence - adding up to 125 demerit points - but due to his previous poor record, can only accept a one-match sanction with an early plea.
The 29-year-old made contact to Ballantyne's midriff with a swinging right arm in the second half of the Cats' loss against the Dockers.
Ballantyne and Geelong have an eventful recent history.
In round one last year, Ballantyne was suspended for hitting Paul Chapman behind play. Later Cats defender Matthew Scarlett punched Ballantyne in the jaw.
Under a change to the tribunal system, Johnson will have to serve the ban in the home-and-away season, leaving the Cats without their star playmaker as they attempt to continue their incredible winning streak against the Hawks on April 1.
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.
