Rebels were in touch at half-time, but had no answer to the speed of Calder's ball movement and an elusive attack - especially when caught out one-on-one.

Calder added four goals in the third term while keeping Greater Western Victoria scoreless.

The Rebels' only second half goal came with two minutes to play when defender Lauren Sykes put her boot on a ground ball.

Sykes (Horsham Demons) had a busy time in defence to be among GWV's best with captain Sophie Molan (Lake Wendoure) and Maggie Caris (Horsham Saints).

Sunbury's Georgie Prespakis was unstoppable as a small forward for the Cannons, kicking seven goals.

Her sister Madison went to Carlton this year with pick three in the AFLW national draft.

Rebels coach Rhys Cahir remains positive about the season despite the loss, which followed an opening round win over Bendigo Pioneers.

He said Calder had a superior running game and was cleaner with its ball use -  especially in transition.

Cahir said the game again highlighted the difference between being able to get a full squad together on the training track two or three times as metropolitan teams were able to do compared with once a week the Rebels managed.

He said the focus would continue to be on development and giving as many players as much possible exposure at this level.

Cahir said he would continue encouraging the girls to back themselves by taking the game on.

He is hopeful that as the Rebels put more games together they will improve - as they did late last season.