After conceding the first two majors, the Bushies clawed their way back into the contest, but were never able to hit the front in the 5.8 (38) to 5.2 (32) loss.

Chelsea Knight’s return into the middle helped lift her teammates as she led by example with her second and third efforts, ferocious tackling and spoils.

However, the Rebels rebounded every missed opportunity and could’ve put the game out of reach, but inaccurate kicking gave the Bushrangers some glimmer of hope with just two goals in it at the final change.

Rebecca Webster fended off her opponent and kicked truly on the run from 40 meteres for the Bushies’ only goal in the final term, but it wasn’t quite enough.

The Bushies have now slipped to sixth and take on Eastern Ranges at Oakleigh next weekend.