After leading by 12 points early in the second term, the Bushrangers paid the price for a lapse and were unable to claw their way back into the contest.

It was their fifth successive loss.

Coach Leon Higgins conceded the long season had caught up with his young side.

“We started well with our ball use and pressure, but it dropped off when they kicked five goals in 10 or so minutes,” Higgins said.

“That’s where we lost control.

“Sandringham’s skill with the ball was good and they play a really attacking brand of footy.

“We coped with it for most of the game but it wasn’t quite enough.”

North Albury’s Ben Paton was solid in his return from illness through the midfield while Angus Hicks won plenty of possessions with his strong work ethic.

Will Donaghey was effective across half-back and Nick Murray showed poise in the air.

“We have seen glimpses from all of our bottom age players this season which is really pleasing,” Higgins said.

“Nick was good again.

“Pat Warner, Riley Bice, Matt Walker and Zane Barzen all showed something at stages during the game.”

For one of the few times this season, the Bushrangers came through the clash without any injuries.

Although Higgins was disappointed to drop out of the premiership race, he said the season had been a success.

“It’s been a success without a doubt,” he said.

“If you had said at the start of the year that we would win 10 matches and play finals, I think everyone would have been surprised.

“Coaches just get a bit greedy sometimes.

“It’s been a good year getting a lot of games into our bottom age players.

“I think it’s really positive for the season ahead.”

Sandringham scored heavily when allowed to take control of the midfield with Andrew Brayshaw and Max and Ben King in good touch.

“Our midfield worked tirelessly,” Dragons’ forward Will Walker, who kicked four goals, said.

“I was lucky to be on the end of a few.

“We have to bring the same intensity and effort against Oakleigh.”

In other matches, Geelong thrashed Gippsland, Dandenong edged out Eastern Ranges and Oakleigh were too strong for Northern Knights.