The Williamstown Seagulls are through to their sixth straight preliminary final, a tally unmatched across the Victorian Football League. Their seven point victory against the Sandringham Zebras was enough to send the blood pressure of Seagulls fans through the roof. How did the emotions play out?

First quarter:

• Okay, we’re kicking with the wind, we need at least five goals.
• Great, they won the first clearance, just get rid of the ball…. We can’t afford to fall behind. Phew.
• A few quick goals. Very nice.
• We’re kicking straight. That was a big concern especially with this cyclonic wind.
• Why didn’t anyone tell me that this place was colder than Burbank Oval?
• We’re three goals up but they’re attacking, just concede a behind, reset and attack.
• We’ve held them out and added a few late goals. I’m happy.
• 5.4.34 – 0.0.0. Can’t complain about that.

Second Quarter:

• One goal would be nice here.
• Sandy aren’t taking advantage of this wind.
• Can we just clear the ball to the centre for a breather?
• This is the best resistance I’ve seen since the Chinese put up the great wall to keep the rabbits out.
• I knew I shouldn’t have said that, two quick goals.
• We’ve scored into the wind. That’s crucial.
• A few late goals – not ideal but a good lead to have with the wind.
• 7.4.46 – 4.5.29. A huge third quarter will seal it.

Third Quarter:

• A slow start isn’t ideal.
• There’s the goal that’s broken the seal.
• This is going exactly like I hoped it would.
• How about our accuracy?
• Sandy fans seem a bit frustrated that they lost Sam Dunell last year – some colourful words being thrown at him.
• It would have been nice to keep them without a goal but we’ll get it back.
• A late flood on the scoreboard. Very nice, surely we can’t lose from here.
• My post-game beer at Mrs. Parma’s is going to be nice as I contemplate a week off.
• 13.6.84 – 5.6.36. Done. Even if Sandy have a great last quarter they’re not getting within three goals.

Fourth Quarter:

• One goal will seal it.
• We need to use the flanks better – so much space, so little opportunity.
• Clear the ball.
• 2 goals isn’t that bad, they can’t get seven more.
• The Zebras are doing a fantastic job at keeping the ball out of our hands.
• More goals. Let’s just block it up.
• Thank god they’re not kicking well.
• They’re getting too close for my liking.
• Wait. How is this happening?
• I really am going to need this beer.
• Eight points up?
• Check twitter for time elapsed.
• Seven points
• Check twitter for time elapsed.
• Clearance to the centre where there’s not a man for miles.
• Check twitter. 32 minutes gone.
• They’re loading up again, WHERE IS THE SIREN?
• There it is.
• YES.
• What a display. Week off. Reload. Get it done.
• Now, how long until that beer?

Nothing beats sport.