Making a living from sports reporting is a privileged and envied position but sometimes the hunger for a good story is a tough and unrewarding task.
The uncertainty over Mark Williams' future at Port Adelaide, and the board meeting to decide his fate, was the biggest news to come out of Alberton since the Power's capitulation in the 2007 grand final.
It had journalists salivating and then in a state of frustration on Monday. In the morning the club said it was unlikely a comment would be made about 'Choco' but when an e-mail was sent out proclaiming a midday meeting, the media swarmed to Power HQ in anticipation of breaking news.
Initially it was exciting - Williams was spotted walking across the oval and the occasional Power staff member went in and out of the building.
Television journos straightened their ties and the print and online brigade double-checked their recorders were working.
But after about half an hour of waiting it became clear this stake-out could be a long one so the media scrum were in need of some entertainment.
One reporter suggested holding sweepstakes - 'At what time would the first Power board member leave the building?'
Two dollars for a 15-minute timeslot - there was a lot of confidence and bravado as each participant parted with their coin.
A cameraman took the final allotment at 6pm and plenty scoffed at his long-term choice. But then minutes and hours slowly passed and the gambling game soon became redundant. It was agreed the unclaimed kitty would go towards lottery tickets.
Desperate for entertainment, a basketball was brought out and was bounced, kicked, twirled and even hurled at Port's administration building. One by one, strained looking reporters made the tough decision to leave their posting for a toilet break.
Day turned to night and conversation turned to what people were missing for dinner or what sporting commitment would be missed. The television stations did their live crosses, reporting nothing was happening, and then the waiting game continued.
In hunger and desperation the media ordered pizzas and the thought of eating helped passed the time.
And finally at 8.55pm the doors swung open and Power president Brett Duncanson and some board members emerged. The reporters were caught unawares and it took a few seconds before they realised it would be an interview on the run.
The reward for a nine-hour stake out? 'No comment, we have made a decision but won't make it known