Coming in last despite so much effort (5,3)

I believe the answer is:

after all

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'coming in last' is the definition.
'after all' can be an answer for 'last' (coming after everyone else). I am not sure about the 'coming in' bit.

I don't understand the rest of the clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for after all that I've seen before include "comes in last?" , "In spite of any indications to the contrary" , "in spite of expectations to the contrary" , "Where most dictionary entries are" , "when push comes to shove" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.

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