The David Loader-coached side was left with a depleted bench before half-time, with three serious injuries robbing them of run in their 15.8 (98) to 9.12 (66) semi-final loss to Sandringham Dragons at Princes Park.

The Rebels held a slender three-point lead at the final break but a seven-goal to one final term lifted the Dragons to a strong win.

Loader said he was proud of his team’s efforts.

“We tried hard but we didn’t have enough foot soldiers at the end of the day,” he said.

“We lost too many players before half-time. We had a lot of injuries.

“Jacob Wheelahan dislocated his shoulder at the five-minute mark of the first quarter and Matt Johnston broke his leg and Dan Butler did his knee.

“We were super brave and after three-quarter-time we ran out of legs.”

The Rebels started the season with four straight losses before a momentum shift helped them book a top-four finish.

Loader said his team showed great character and determination.

“After the slow start it was fantastic to finish the way we did,” he said.

“The boys’ ability to learn and get better after having a slow start (was great).

“They are terrific learners and they worked really hard so I am proud of them for doing that.”

Loader said he was hopeful the Rebels would celebrate on draft day in November.

“You’d like to think we’d have a few but who they may be is hard to say,” he said.

Portland ruckman Rowan Marshall finished his standout season yesterday with another solid performance to be the south-west’s best semi-final contributor.

Loader, who attended the Morrish Medal last night, tipped Calder Cannons to win the premiership.

“They are the best side I have seen — they’re too big, too strong and have too many avenues to goal,” he said.

Geelong Falcons were bundled out of the finals series in straight sets too, going down to Dandenong Stingrays 15.8 (98) to 6.9 (45).