Life is sometimes tough as an AFL footballer, just ask young ruckman Ben Mabon. Sprinting out from the goal-square on a long lead at training, the 200 centimetre athlete had his arms stretched for a mark when a sharp pain suddenly shot up his right arm. Seconds later, he realised his little finger had been dislocated and was pointing the wrong way.

After several failed attempts to shake it back into place, Mabon quickly looked for help and began running for the medical room inside Aegis Park. But on his way in, he bravely stopped to allow Slattery Media and official AFL photographer Lachlan Cunningham the rare opportunity to get a shot...or a snap of the snap.

Inside, it was Director of Medical Services Steve Saunders who provided Mabon instant relief from the excruciating pain as he guided the joint back into place with a sharp pull and gentle push.

For Cunningham, it was the first of many behind-the-scenes shots during his week long exercise at Aegis Park. Embedded with North Melbourne for the lead-up to the match with the Lions, he was granted unprecedented 'fly on the wall' access to the club, its players, coaches and staff. Nothing was off limits including meetings, recovery sessions, training and he even had an all-access pass on the day of the game. 

Click here to view more pictures of Cunningham's brilliant work