Youngster Steve Johnson kicked the match winning goal for Geelong against Essendon on Friday night to cap off an impressive AFL pre-season campaign by the Cats.

The 2001 draftee cooly drilled a goal to put Geelong in front by five points in a hotly contested encounter played before a crowd of more than 12,000 at Lavington, the Cats winning 12.12 (84) to 11.13 (79).

Gary Ablett junior missed two goals, including a three-bounce run from the forward flank moments before teammate Paul Chapman levelled the scores with his second goal of the game with five minutes remaining.

Essendon registered a rushed behind with its last scoring shot after some brilliance from Damian Cupido and Dean Rioli took the Bombers to the brink of victory.

Geelong coach Mark Thompson said he could not fault the Cats' build up to the round one clash against the Western Bulldogs.

"The only blemish we had was against Collingwood but I thought we started well," he said.

"You shouldn't forget we played in Cains the week before and it does take a lot out of you.

"It was our second week back and I was happy with our sharpness tonight which wasn't there against Collingwood last week".

Despite being beaten, Essendon coach Kevin Sheedy was pleased with the form of Rioli, who played in the midfield before earning a breather midway through the third term.

Rioli has shed seven kilograms since last season and impressed Sheedy with his work ethic over summer.

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