However, the Rebels could not quite grab the win, falling two points short of Geelong in TAC Cup under-18 action at Simonds Stadium on Sunday.

Injuries took a toll, with the Rebels three men down in the final quarter.

At times, the Rebels had to claw their way back, but they finished strongly in the 13.5 (83) to 12.9 (81) loss.

Rebels coach David Loader said it was a great game of football and his players were terrific.

They just fell short by the siren.

“The boys dug deep a fair bit and had two or three opportunities to actually win the game,” he said.

“They played really well and it would’ve been really nice to walk away with the points.

“On the flip side, we didn’t win and we need to work on being better in crunch times.”

Tom Taurau took a late mark up forward and passed off to Shannon Bek, who booted a goal after the siren to narrow the deficit.

Jacob Hopper, who booted four goals, Matt Johnston and captain Darcy Tucker were strong, relentless workers in the midfield and moving up forward.

Defender Josh Webster held down the back line.

Warm conditions and the vast expanse of the AFL surface in Geelong tested the players.

Loader said most players were exhausted post match and the Rebels had to be careful in how they plot their next move and training load.

The Rebels have four days to prepare for a Good Friday clash against Bendigo in Bendigo.

Loader said that, with the bulk of the squad being regional players, most had gone home

for the school holidays and would have to travel for training and match day.

Group training would likely be kept to one session early in the week.

He was confident this new group would build on the promise they showed first up.

“It was a good, spirited effort and a great starting point for us,” he said.

“Players are learning throughout the game and, hopefully, we can do better next time and get a result.”

melanie.whelan@fairfaxmedia.com.au