Apparently last, as it turns out (5,3)

I believe the answer is:

after all

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'apparently last' is the definition.
'after all' can be an answer for 'last' (coming after everyone else). I am not certain of the 'apparently' bit.

I cannot understand how the rest of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for after all that I've seen before include "despite great effort" , "in the final reckoning?" , "In spite of everything" , "Nevertheless, when everything has been considered" , "Taking everything into account" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.

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