Have you not watched any interviews with our coach...he is all about emotion, as is our captain. It is a very effective motivational tool, i know because i use it myself within my own business. It binds people together and strengthens relationships...the flipside is it can effect the emotional psyche of the group when adversity strikes.
I'm speaking from experience within my own sector and yeah these guys may be professional athletes like many, many others but they are human beings first...
Look at the outpouring of emotion bob's injury conjured up throughout former and current players as well as supporters from all clubs...its one of the reasons i love footy and this club in particular so much.