Little separated the sides at the first three changes, with the Rebels holding a slender three-point advantage at three-quarter-time.

But a seven-goal-to-one final term from the Dragons sunk the injury-hit Rebels’ hopes of reaching the preliminary finals.

The Dragons finished 15.8 (98) to 9.12 (66) victors.

Rebels talent manager Phil Partington said it was a brave effort from the team.

“We were basically down to one and a half men on the bench for the last half of the game,” he said.

“It certainly tested the boys – we couldn’t have been more proud of the way they fought the game out.

“Sandringham’s run got us at the end of day – we were basically spent, we ran out of legs with injuries and a lack of rotations.”

Joel Cowan, three goals, and Oscar McDonald, two, were the Rebels’ multiple goal-kickers, while Horsham defender Rhona Conboy was among the side’s best players.

“I thought Rhona was really strong down back,” Partington said.

“He had a poor game the week before, but he was very competitive in all contests and as a bottom-age player he stood up again.”

Partington said despite bowing out of the finals in straight sets, the year had been a success for the Rebels after a 0-4 start.

“At the start of the season we hadn’t gone too well, but the boys worked really hard on their deficiencies to get the best of themselves,” he said.

“Nearly all of the players on our list have developed.

“That’s a great achievement for the program, the coaches and the players.”

The Rebels brought home a host of awards at the TAC Cup awards night following Sunday’s match.

The club won the TAC Speed Hurts Award, while coach David Loader was named coach of the year.

Edenhope-Apsley’ s Oscar McDonald won the TAC Cup coaches award and was named in the team of the year alongside team-mate Rowan Marshall. 

Horsham Saint Darcy Tucker was presented with an AFL All-Australian under-18s jumper after being named in the side earlier this year.