Crossword Genius

Excitement as Raoul spun out (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

arousal

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'excitement' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'as raoul spun out' is the wordplay.
'as' becomes 'sa' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'spun' indicates anagramming the letters.
'out' is an insertion indicator.
'raoul' is an anagram of 'aroul'.
'sa' going within 'aroul' is 'AROUSAL'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for arousal that I've seen before include "Awakening (of emotion, etc)" , "Awakening; stimulation" , "Act of awakening" , "Drinking spree" , "heating?" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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