The Rebels remained in touch for much of the contest, but eventually fell short 12.18 (90) to 10.11 (71) at Horsham City Oval on Sunday.

A poor second term, in which the Rebels kicked just 1.7 to 4.2, handed Calder an ascendancy it never relinquished.

North remained in touch for the final two quarters largely in thanks to the Cannons’ inaccuracy and its own grit, but was unable to make any headway.

However, Rebels talent manager Phil Partington said the side had displayed several promising signs against what he believes is the best side in the competition.

“The Calder Cannons are the best team to play in the TAC Cup, for me personally,” he said.

“I thought we were in it for most of the game.

“They would have kicked three or four goals from only a couple of metres out, which hurt us (and) they did have a few class, tall players who got away from us occasionally.”

Partington said the performance was a step up from Ballarat’s lacklustre two-point loss to the Tasmanian representative side two weeks ago.

“The Tasmanian game was disappointing for us because we’re very flat,” he said.

“We worked really hard – we’re not the most talented side but the boys worked really hard for each other.”

Partington nominated bullocking midfielder Joel Cowan as his sides best, while Matt Johnston (one goal) and Jacob Wheelahan (two goals) were also influential across the ground.

Meanwhile, Yestin Eades impressed in his first hit-out for the club.

The loss leaves the Rebels, still in fifth spot on the TAC Cup ladder, primed for a blockbuster against top of the table Oakleigh Chargers this Saturday as it hunts for a top-four spot in the last round before finals.

Joining the Rebels on 36 premiership points is Western Jets, Dandenong  Stingrays, Geelong Falcons and the Sandringham Dragons.

“If we win, we’re a chance (for top-four),” Partington said.

“I think we do (have a chance), no doubt about that, we’ve got some confidence and we beat the Oakleigh Chargers earlier in the year.”