Original subtitles

BEN FORDHAM: This is it - Grand Final two.

One of these 11 Ninjas

will be walking away with $100,000

as our Furthest Fastest winner.

I think I've got the fast bit.

I just need to make sure I go the furthest.

No Australian Ninja

has ever made it past Stage two.

If it's gonna happen, it's gonna be tonight.

Looking up at Mount Midoriyama,

I'm very confident I can do it.

Can history be made?

Will anyone reach the top of Mount Midoriyama

and claim $300,000

and the title of Australia's first

Ninja Warrior?

The only certainty is,

tonight, there will be a winner.

(MOMENTOUS MUSIC)

(CHEERING)

REBECCA MADDERN: Welcome to Australian Ninja Warrior.

I'm Rebecca Maddern. I'm Ben Fordham.

And I'm Freddie Flintoff.

It's the second and final night of our 2019 Grand Final,

and if last night is anything to go by,

we are in for an evening of full-throttle action.

(CHEERING)

From 200 starters in the heats,

just 11 Ninjas remain.

Whoever goes the furthest, fastest tonight

is guaranteed to win $100,000.

If they make it up Mount Midoriyama, it's 300 grand,

plus the title of Australia's first Ninja Warrior.

(CHEERING)

Welcome to the Grand Final of Australian Ninja Warrior.

(CHEERING)

I'm so pumped to be here tonight.

One in 11 chance of taking home that money -

pretty good odds, if you ask me.

Winning tonight would mean the world to me.

300K would be amazing for my family.

My dad thinks I can do it, so I've just gotta hit that buzzer,

and then Mount Midoriyama and that 300K are in my sight.

Bring it on!

It's my favourite part.

The nerves start going. The blood starts pumping.

CHARLIE ROBBINS: I'm up against some real Ninja legends.

I reckon someone is gonna give it a good crack.

My goal is Midoriyama -

conquering that and joining the elite

six or seven people, globally,

that have beaten Midoriyama.

That's my goal. That's what I'm here for.

BEN: Well, we promised the toughest obstacle course in the world,

and we have delivered.

It all starts with Stage 2.

Six obstacles -

any of them tough enough to defeat

all but the very best.

But our Ninjas must complete all six

within two minutes and 10 seconds.

(CHEERING)

REBECCA: First up, Ninjas swing through the Rope Jungle.

Miss a rope, and it will chew valuable seconds.

Next, the I-Beam Gap -

all their weight on fingers and feet,

and there's an imposing 1.9m leap to navigate.

That's followed by the Salmon Ladder...

..to Unstable Bridge,

which claimed so many Ninjas last year.

As time pressure mounts,

Ninjas face the brand-new Trapeze to Parallel Pipes -

a massive swing up to the pipes

and a taxing climb down.

The Cat Grab is all-new too.

Ninjas spring between three walls, 2.5m apart.

And, finally, the Wall Lift -

20, then 30,

then 40 kilos.

Hit the buzzer inside the time limit,

and they're through to Stage 3.

No-one in Australia has ever made it to Stage 3.

If they do tonight, they won't be running against the clock,

because they are facing the five toughest obstacles on the course -

each one purpose-built to find their weakness.

Then, if someone beats Stage 3,

it's on to the holy grail,

Mount Midoriyama -

a 22m rope climb that must be completed in 30 seconds.

Reach the top, and two things await -

$300,000

and the title of Australia's first

Ninja Warrior.

(CHEERING) FREDDIE: This is it, Bec and Ben -

the best 11 Ninjas are behind me, getting warmed up.

They're about to hit Stage 2.

Remember, they have just two minutes, 10 seconds,

to get through the course and move on to Stage 3.

I tell you what, it's tense down here,

it's exciting, and I can't wait to get cracking.

It sure is tense. Alright,

Freddie, let's get cracking.

No Australian has ever beaten Stage 2,

so we are looking to create history,

and our first Ninja has the pedigree to do it.

He made the Grand Final

in season one,

he made the Grand Final

in season two,

and he's got the finest moustache

on course.

It's Fremantle firefighter Alex Matthews.

ALEX: Going into Stage 2 now,

don't have a choice but to give it 110%.

You're under the pump with the clock -

tickin' time bomb.

Yeah, it's probably one of my number-one things I hate.

I hate the... Especially when it gets down to that, like, 10 seconds.

(IMITATES SIREN)

I just have to go hell for leather.

Three seasons into Ninja Warrior,

never made it past Stage 2.

If it's gonna happen, it's gonna be tonight.

(CHEERING) FREDDIE: Whoa, listen to the crowd!

First on the Stage 2 Grand Final course

is Alex Matthews,

from Western Australia - the Ninja, to me,

who always goes under the radar.

Hugely underestimated.

He has pressed the buzzer in every season,

every time, apart from in the Grand Finals.

And a beautiful mo. CROWD: Go, the mo! Go, the mo!

REBECCA: Yep, go, the mo. That's Alex's mum, Carlene.

And the Ninja community has come out in force

for the Grand Final tonight.

There is Twitch.

There's Ben Polson, alongside Fred Dorrington, just to name a few.

BEN: So, this is it -

the final night of Ninja Warrior, season three,

and a minimum 100 grand up for grabs.

No pressure, Alex.

(BEEP!)

Two minutes, 10 on the clock - seven obstacles to complete.

Rope Jungle now - five ropes.

You need to get off to a great start on this course.

The time is ticking.

10 seconds down already,

but now he's off. (CHEERING)

Here we go. He's made it through the first obstacle.

Coming up to the second - the I-Beam Gap.

Putting his feet on now. Look at him. Pace.

Just dragging them feet along, using the strength in his fingers,

in his wrists, in his forearms.

Now he just needs to jump across.

Ooh! Nice save, Alex.

Bit of a slip. But we expect that with Alex Matthews.

He's always messy,

he's never smooth,

but always gets around.

1:33 left on the clock.

Two obstacles down.

Here we go - on to the Salmon Ladder.

Up he goes, on to the first rung.

Mixed grip.

One...

BOTH: Two... Oh!

A little slip there.

He'll need to correct it before he makes the third.

And he does. So easy to fall here. Come on, Alex Matthews!

Three! There you go.

Now he's on to the Unstable Bridge -

the first bridge right in front of him -

with a minute, 10 left on the clock.

On to the Unstable Bridge.

Alex Matthews is Mr Consistent, every season

of Australian Ninja Warrior. Hops along.

Needs to make the transfer to the second bridge.

Ooh. Finding it a little bit...

He looks unstable at the moment. Yeah, that worked.

He didn't wanna...

..make a leap of faith then. He just wanted to hang on to one

while he grabbed the other.

And now...

..he just finds that mat.

Now, he needs to take the trampoline to the Trapeze to the...

..Parallel Pipes. He needs to get a move on here.

45 seconds left,

with three obstacles still to go.

And, Bec, this is a brand-new obstacle.

He needs to swing up and transfer to the first pipe.

Only time for a couple of swings.

Oh, he can't go on the second. He'll need to go on the third,

because of the clock. Oh, no.

This is chewing it down too much. Won't go on the third.

30 seconds left. I'm really worried

about the clock now. Oh, no.

Not looking good for Alex Matthews.

Reaches forward.

Missed it again. (CROWD GROANS)

Just starting to panic up there.

20 seconds.

Oh, he's in more than a spot of bother.

I don't know how you do it here. He's backwards.

(CHEERING)

Alex Matthews makes the transfer.

That is gutsy.

10 seconds left on the clock. (SIREN BLARES)

And there's that 10-second warning sound he hates.

Oh, Alex.

He's giving it everything.

He's not giving up. Up on to the Cat Grab.

(BUZZER BLARES) But the time is finished.

Aw! And Alex 'the Mo' Matthews

shows us just how tough this Stage 2 course is.

(CHEERING) Alex Matthews, taking the big raps

from the crowd, stuck on top of the Cat Grab.

Never gets wet. Not gonna get wet tonight either.

The dream finally comes to an end for Alex Matthews,

but what a run that was, and what a series it's been

for the 35-year-old.

Stand and applaud Alex 'the Mo' Matthews.

(CHEERING)

Alex! Alex, you never give up.

You keep fighting. But just got stuck on that trapeze.

Yeah. I...

I was pretty pumped, actually - way more pumped than I thought

I'd be in the forearms.

So as soon as I got on to it, I knew I was in a little bit of strife.

But just couldn't get that swing going, and...

Yeah, ballsed it up a little bit, didn't I? But I've had a hoot, so...

it's alright.

Well, Alex, for the last time,

I'm just gonna stroke it.

Unlucky tonight, mate. It's been a pleasure.

Cheers, mate. Well done, mate.

BEN: Good stuff, Freddie. As Alex Matthews

sees $100,000

slip through his fingers,

there are still 10 more Ninjas in with a shot.

And, next up,

a crowd favourite who used his gymnastics skills

to make Stage 2 of the Grand Final last year

and is vowing to go even further tonight.

It's 22-year-old Sydney pharmacy student Jordan Papandrea.

(CHEERING)

High hopes expected of this lad from New South Wales,

Jordan Papandrea.

The thing about this young gymnast -

I do not think we've seen everything he's got.

He's been measured. He's been cool.

But I think there's another gear

we're about to see him move into.

CROWD: Let's go, Jordan. Let's go!

Let's go. Dad and Mum there, proud as punch - and they should be.

So much on the line. So many nerves.

Well, Bec, went into the Grand Final last year.

He... Came off on the Salmon Ladder

last year. Yeah, got into Stage 2.

And now your boy, Jordan Papandrea, is in Stage 2,

season three.

(BEEP!) The buzzer.

This is the Rope Jungle,

and Jordan Papandrea moves backwards,

propels himself forward

and is on rope number two.

OK. Just midway through the Rope Jungle now.

Wants to get off nice and quickly.

He does. (CHEERING)

Go, Jordie! Alright!

The I-Beam Gap.

The upper-body strength on this guy is second to none.

Look at him crawl. Look at the fingers.

Doesn't even worry about his feet at that point.

Doesn't panic, though.

Off he goes, into the transition. You don't know how

you're going to attack these things until you're up there.

They've never been on these obstacles before, and you're right -

I think at first he was thinking, "I'll go with just the hands,"

and then changed his mind. Go, Jordie.

(CHEERING) Moves on.

Hitches on. Needs to get back underneath and crawl himself off.

He's got a minute, 30 left on the clock.

Now, he'll be nervous about this next obstacle -

the Salmon Ladder.

This is where it came unstuck

and all his dreams were shred in the Grand Final last year.

You know how to do the ladder!

He would have done this in his head a thousand times since last year.

There's one. There's... BOTH: Oh!

Oh, no! It's happened again!

Oh!

A slip on the Salmon Ladder.

It's happened again for Jordan Papandrea

in exactly the same

spot as last year.

He nailed that first rung,

and then in pursuit

of the second rung, he just mistimed it, misplaced it...

Go, Jordie!

Are you OK? Oh, he will be furious -

making the exact same mistake,

two years running.

Yeah, devastating for Jordan.

He would have trained and trained for this, but...

I don't know - the pressure of the night,

the $100,000, it all adds up, and it's over.

Went for a swim, mate? (CHUCKLES) Oh, yeah.

Was it good?

Well, we're just starting to see why no one has ever

made it past Stage 2. But don't bet against our next Ninja.

He's the defending Ninja Warrior champion

who, in his no-fuss way,

has worked into a position where he's an excellent chance

to pick up this year's $100,000 prize -

or even more.

Last night, he was the third-fastest

finisher and quickest

to the Chimney Sweep.

From Brisbane,

it is Rob Patterson!

(CHEERING)

ROB PATTERSON: Looking around at the Ninjas,

I do feel like I deserve to be there.

Stage 2 is...

..more gruelling,

so knowing when to push hard,

knowing what to do when and how fast

will really come into play now.

Physically, I can do this. It's just a mental game.

What an extraordinary athlete!

BEN: He's gotta now lache over to the second rail.

Yes! Rob Patterson!

I think Stage 2 will show why I was Furthest Fastest last year.

I have a title to defend.

I'm going to fight hard.

Tonight, my game really begins.

(DRAMATIC MUSIC)

(CHEERING)

Here's Rob Patterson. So far this year,

he's said he's been playing it safe.

He's all about getting to this point

and a crack at Mount Midoriyama later.

You feel, tonight, the competitors have to have the perfect run.

There you go, Rob. Looking a little bit tense on the start line,

but he's a clever lad. He'd have worked this out.

CROWD: Robbie! Robbie!

And that's a nervous lot right there. Tamara, his girlfriend,

with sister Louise,

mum Janet and dad Russell.

OK. Can Rob Patterson be the first Australian Ninja to beat Stage 2?

(BEEP!)

Rob Patterson into the Rope Jungle.

It's a confident start.

Remember, last year's Furthest Fastest.

Do that again this year, you get 100 grand!

He's doing alright so far,

Rob Patterson, and now this is the I-Beam Gap.

This is all about using the hands and the feet.

You've gotta stick to the red,

and then there's a gap between the two...

So strong. ..which is 1.9m -

a lot bigger than we've seen

on previous seasons when we've seen a similar obstacle.

This is the moment where you're gonna hold your breath.

Ooh, he does it! Yep.

Does it, Rob Patterson.

And now he slides down the other side.

One minute, 38 on the clock.

Coming up to the Salmon Ladder now.

Very easy to come off on this,

just like Jordan.

Up he goes.

BOTH: Oh!

Rob Patterson slipping a little bit. Now needs to get a wriggle on.

The clock down to one minute, 20 seconds

as he comes to the Unstable Bridge.

Oh, here he goes.

Rob fell on this obstacle last season,

but he is looking so much stronger.

Here's the transition. He uses one hand, and then the second one.

That's it! And he's doing well here,

Rob Patterson.

As he completes this obstacle,

he's got one minute, five on the clock.

Trapeze to Parallel Pipes now.

Rob, always good with the gymnastics,

but this is gonna test him.

Here he is on the trapeze now.

Needs to transfer that

weight on to the Parallel Pipes.

Oh, come on, Rob Patterson. (CHUCKLES)

I tell you what, this is tense. This is exciting.

No Ninja has ever made it to Stage 3 of the Grand Final!

He's got two obstacles to go

once this one's over, and only 40 seconds left

on the clock. Go, Rob!

On the Cat Grab.

Coming up on the first wall now. Will fly over on to the second.

The clock is ticking.

Down on to the third,

and on to the safety of the mat.

And now Rob Patterson, can he do it?

25 seconds!

Coming through the Wall Lift!

Is he gonna be the first ever to press the buzzer?

(BUZZER BLARES)

(CHEERING) Rob Patterson!

Our first ever Ninja making it to Stage 3 of the Grand Finals!

Rob Patterson, you beauty!

Take a bow, son.

He duly does. Rob Patterson

progresses to Stage 3.

How good was that?

The crowd here can't believe

what they've seen. That was a faultless run -

absolutely perfect.

And he had 20 seconds left on the clock.

It was the sort of run we've come to expect from Rob Patterson -

composed and confident,

flawlessly tackling every obstacle on the course,

and now the first Australian Ninja to beat Stage 2

of the Grand Final course.

He's on his way to Stage 3 and $100,000.

(CHEERING)

Wow! Rob, what a run that was. Thanks, man.

How does it feel,

knowing that you've now made

Stage 3 of the Grand Finals? I'm relieved. I'm honestly relieved.

That was my goal this year -

was to smash Stage 2 - and I'm happy I'm past.

Last year you was the Furthest Fastest -

are you gonna repeat it this time around?

Well, we've got some good Ninjas out the back there, man. It's...

Yeah, but, through the competition, you've been calling 'em all out.

Only Ashlin, and that was a bit of fun.

We're in finals, man. It's unpredictable. No-one knows.

Well, you're going to Stage 3. Congratulations. Well done, Rob.

Well done, mate. Thank you.

(CHEERING)

BEN: Rob Patterson. He's thrown down the gauntlet,

and he's got one hand on at least $100,000.

But who can challenge him for it?

Coming up...

For the first time ever,

we'll be seeing Stage 3

of the Grand Final course.

Who can join Rob Patterson there?

Second last season, Bryson Klein

is a front-runner.

Mount Midoriyama, (BLEEP) comin'. Sorry. (CHUCKLES)

So too the Barefoot Ninja.

I'd love to have a shot at it - see what I can do.

He's fearless on the fairway -

can Charlie Robbins get a clean shot at Mount Midoriyama?

Hair's on fire. I hope I'm on fire going up that rope.

I'm gonna go as quick as I can.

But all eyes are on one Ninja tonight.

He has blitzed the field this season

and shows no signs of slowing down.

'Flashlin' Ashlin Herbert.

Everyone's saying I'm the one to beat.

Tonight, I guess we'll see.

Stage 2 continues right after this

on the Grand Final of Australian Ninja Warrior.

(DRAMATIC MUSIC)

REBECCA MADDERN: Welcome back to Melbourne,

the sporting capital of Australia.

This is the Grand Final of Australian Ninja Warrior.

Rob Patterson has become the first Australian Ninja

to make it through to Stage 3.

Rob Patterson. You beauty!

Can anyone else make it through?

It's time to find out.

(CHEERING)

Up next is one of the youngest Ninjas to make to this stage

of the Grand Final, and a new hero to Ninja fans all around Australia.

Last night, this club champion

golfer was the second-fastest

competitor, cementing his status

as one of the greatest first-time

Ninjas ever.

From Rye in Victoria,

Charlie Robbins.

(CHEERING)

(DRAMATIC MUSIC)

That is classy. Dips his hat to the crowd, and his grandad, Taffy.

If you had've said to me at the very start of this,

"You're gonna get to the grand final,"

I'd just been absolutely stoked just with that.

To get to this point as a first-timer's been unbelievable.

Stage 1 of the Grand Final -

hitting that buzzer was just awesome.

Come on, Charlie!

Open that hole.

Push yourself up.

Press the buzzer, and this crowd is gonna go off.

Oh!

How good is that? (LAUGHTER)

It's pretty cool having Taffy along the sidelines every step

of the way. It's really cool to share this experience with him.

I wouldn't say I'm an everyday kid.

I don't know many kids that play golf.

Can you imagine the first Ninja Warrior being a redhead golfer

that wears glasses?

I'm not quite like the other ten Ninjas, but I reckon I got this.

(CHEERING)

Here's the newcomer, Charlie Robbins,

and what a lad he is.

Unassuming, humble.

His grandfather's on the sidelines,

his best friend, who got emotional that Charlie's got to this point.

Charlie, you got this, mate.

REBECCA: So proud. And Taffy says

one of the greatest honours he has in life

is being called a mate by young Charlie

and his other grandchildren.

Focus! CROWD: Charlie!

There are bunkers all the way along this course.

They've all got water too.

The Rope Jungle.

Grabs on to the first rope.

Flying leap to the second.

Looking really good here.

And now he grabs that third rope.

Charlie Robbins - he's very methodical in his approach,

but now he's completed that.

Stay focused, Charlie. Stay focused!

The I-Beam Gap.

Charlie crawls along, deciding... Quick, quick, quick.

..not to use the legs at all.

(CHEERING)

You are allowed to do that, and it saves time,

but it burns the arms.

I reckon he saved a good three seconds then.

Probably. Just taking a look around.

Goes for it. Lands it.

Slides down. Look at him, sliding down there.

Oh, I think he's got carpet burn on his fingers.

You know this one! You've got this, easy!

You've got this, mate.

He's on to the Salmon Ladder.

Two seconds behind Rob Patterson to here.

One, two, three. Look at that.

We know he's got great hand-eye coordination,

and he did that just on the Salmon Ladder.

Swinging now on to the Unstable Bridge.

Come on, Charlie Robbins. Bring it home.

(CHEERING) Very good.

Moves on to the next one.

Still one minute, 10 seconds left on the clock.

And he's only got three obstacles to go.

(CHEERING)

Trapeze to Parallel Pipes now.

Next tee shot, mate. Next tee shot.

(CHEERING)

Here he goes.

Knees up - that'll give him

a great swing. Every obstacle,

every time - this golfer does not miss a shot.

He's now two seconds

ahead of Rob Patterson.

Oh, go, Charlie. How cool and calm is this guy?

He is nearly at the buzzer

on Stage 2. Now on to the second-last obstacle

with 37 seconds to go.

The Cat Grab. He leaps on to the wall.

And now he's bouncing off.

He's got 30 seconds.

All he's gotta do now is lift two more windows,

and the scratch golfer is about to turn into a full-blown Ninja!

Yes! Charlie Robbins!

Charlie Robbins! Two champ!

(CHEERING) I think everyone around Australia

is breathing a sigh of relief

to know that this crowd favourite

is going into the next stage with a shot

at Mount Midoriyama

and $300,000.

CROWD: Charlie! Charlie!

And moves like these show us why this newcomer is on his way

to Stage 3.

He was unstoppable, Charlie Robbins, tonight,

powering his way through the course

and is three seconds faster

than Rob Patterson. Wow!

(CHEERING)

Charlie, have we seen the best of you?

Have you got more? I hope I've got more.

(CHUCKLES) Yeah. Yeah, I reckon.

Yes, I do. (CHUCKLES) Yes. Talk yourself up,

Charlie.

Well, you're going through to Stage 3.

Absolute pleasure, Charlie. Well done.

I know Taffy wants a chat. Well done, mate.

(CHEERING)

Two Ninjas are now on their way to Stage 3,

which means only five obstacles

between them and that, Mount Midoriyama.

REBECCA: Has our next Ninja got what it takes?

I reckon he might. It's stuntman

Mike Snow.

MIKE SNOW: On a scale of one to pretty pumped,

I'm pretty pumped about going into Stage 2.

I wanna win real bad.

It's just such a ridiculously cool challenge,

and we're so close to ultimate victory.

There's no time for a cup of tea,

so it's just business time.

Let's go for Mount Midoriyama.

(CHEERING)

Mike Snow in his fourth grand finals on Ninja Warrior -

not just here but also in the UK.

A real strong contender.

In between finals, he went back to work.

Yesterday back on set as a stuntman.

Had breakfast with his mum,

who is his biggest fan.

Yes, she is, and there's mum Angela now,

along with dad Rick and sister Kat.

Looking focused on the start line, Jon Snow.

(CHEERING)

Mike Snow. Jon Snow's from Game of Thrones.

He's not ginger, is he, Jon? (BEEP!)

BEN FORDHAM: And now Mike Snow launches into the Rope Jungle.

This course tonight is about, obviously, the body,

but it's about the mind as well.

You've got the clock ticking down.

You know that you can't waste time,

and you've got to be focused.

One lapse in concentration,

and you'll end up in the pool.

Mike Snow - another one of the Ninjas

who's just got stronger on season three.

And the I-Beam Gap -

it's complicated if you're carrying a lot of weight via muscle.

Well, Mike Snow's got 85kg of the stuff.

That's a lot to hold up.

Just preparing for the transfer.

Come on, Mike. Hold it! Hold it!

Oh! No!

(BUZZER BLARES) Mike Snow's gone.

Oh, my god!

The 85kg that I was mentioning -

he's just launched all of it

at full power and gone straight into the beam.

And that was not the stunt that Mike Snow wanted to perform tonight.

Mike just came at it with too much muscle,

and without his hands to brace,

he couldn't stop the head knock.

He tried all he could to stop the slide,

but he was the fall guy tonight.

Mike, I'm gutted for you myself. Dude.

You've got a bump on your nose. What happened?

I face-planted.

Really did, didn't you? (CHUCKLES) Yeah, man.

I just went on the power way too much,

and I knew it didn't really need, like, anything to get across that.

Sometimes you just have a bit of a brain fart

and just give something too much.

Yeah. I'll come back and crush it next year.

Mate, we'd love to see you. Go and get some ice on that nose.

Legend, mate. Well done. Top man.

BEN: Well, with Mike Snow's dreams biting the dust,

there's only six Ninjas remaining for Stage 2.

Who's going to make it to Mount Midoriyama?

Let's see if our next Ninja has got what it takes.

He burst on to the course last year

as a gangly unknown,

using his rock-climbing skills

to stun the competition.

He finished second overall

in season two.

And this year he is determined

to go one better.

From the Blue Mountains in New South Wales,

it is Bryson Klein.

BRYSON KLEIN: Going into Stage 2 of the Grand Final,

I definitely am stronger and fitter than I was last year.

Needs to get them hands on the side.

Oh, Bryson Klein! Oh, no!

That feeling of when my hands just opened up -

pretty devastated.

Tonight I do feel like I've got it under control.

I've had a really good season.

Every course, I've felt real good.

I know what I'm capable of.

I'm definitely not that same dweeby kid... (CHUCKLES) from season two.

I never saw myself as that.

It was pretty interesting to watch myself on TV. (CHUCKLES)

(LAUGHS) Ugh.

Someone's definitely finishing this year.

I know I can do it.

(DRAMATIC MUSIC)

(CHEERING)

Bryson Klein, who's pressed the buzzer in every round so far.

And I tell you what -

I'm not sure if we've seen the best of him yet.

He's always smooth, he's always fast,

and he always finishes.

Go, Bryson! Come on, Bryson!

BEN: Yeah, there's dad Matt, mum Marianne, sister Tessa.

Here we go, with 100 grand up for grabs.

It's now or never for Bryson Klein.

Will he be joining Rob and Charlie in Stage 3?

(CHEERING, BEEP!)

Here he goes now on the Rope Jungle.

Bryson Klein - look how quickly he's grabbing a hold of these ropes

and just manoeuvring his body

into the best possible position,

as quickly as he can.

(CHEERING)

Well, don't worry about the time.

He's been so quick in the heats,

the semi-final and Grand Final Stage 1.

The only thing that will get him tonight

is a slight lapse in concentration

that will lead to a mistake

and he'll end up in the pool. Let's hope that doesn't happen.

He's just a great knockabout kid

and fearless.

And he has a look over the shoulder and gets ready.

Oh, your legs aren't that long, Bryson.

(CHEERING)

There we go. Gets himself across.

Our tallest Ninja, but not that tall.

Whoo! Yeah, Bryson!

I wasn't gonna say.

We needn't worry about Bryson Klein on the I-Beam Gap.

I mean, he is a rock-climber,

but he did sort of falter there a little bit.

Won't cost him too much in terms of time.

Now the Salmon Ladder. All about upper-body strength.

You've gotta go up three rungs. The mixed grip.

One, two...

Come on! (CROWD CHANTS)

There's the third.

Tick that off. Now the Unstable Bridge.

This is where Bryson fell last year.

Imagine how sweaty his palms would be right now.

Oh, swinging across. He's going for distance.

(CHEERING) Oh, clever work, Bryson Klein.

Taking half of the first bridge out. OK,

he's halfway there, Freddie.

He's on his fingertips

as he laches to the second. (CHEERING)

He's done it. (CHEERING)

Just gotta land the dismount now. And takes a look down.

Dad cheering on.

And he's done it. Bryson Klein beats the Unstable Bridge.

Now the Trapeze to Parallel Pipes.

Needs to swing back there and get those knees up.

Come on! CROWD: Swing, swing, swing!

Whoa! Already on to the pipes. Go, Bryson.

Using his feet to get down. He can't afford any muck-ups

here on these pipes, because now...

..he's only got 30 seconds left on the clock.

Two obstacles to do.

It's Cat Grab time.

Scales the first wall.

Big leap to the middle wall.

He'll jump from the top. Down he goes.

Down he goes to the safety of the mat.

Three walls. 20kg -

done.

30kg - done.

30... 40kg - done.

Hits the buzzer!

(CHEERING)

Oh, was it ever in doubt,

wasn't it, Bryson Klein?

Can't believe it.

13 seconds left on the clock,

and this young bloke who made it

to this stage of the grand final last year

now books his spot into Stage 3

of Australian Ninja Warrior.

He must be so happy with that.

And what a run it was.

Bryson Klein at last beating the Stage 2 course.

He smashed his nemesis, the Unstable Bridge. Bryson,

this could be a $100,000 night.

(DRAMATIC MUSIC)

Thanks for the scare, buddy. Thanks for the scare.

Still to come...

He qualified

with six seconds to spare.

Through the hatch. Ryan Solomon.

(BUZZER BLARES) Yes!

Can plumber Ryan Solomon

make the most of his chance?

It was the first time I really feel I can take it all away,

so I'm gonna give it everything.

The Barefoot Ninja will come toe to toe with Stage 2.

Once I'm out there, it's just all about me and the course.

And the newcomer with the backing of a champ, Zak Stolz.

Yeah, I had no doubt he'd be there.

He's very good, very accomplished young man.

Why, thank you, sir. (CHUCKLES)

You're watching the climax of Australian Ninja Warrior

Grand Final.

(CHEERING)

REBECCA: Welcome back to Australian Ninja Warrior.

You are watching the grand final decider

and the competition is hot tonight!

BEN: So far, six Ninjas have had their chance

but only three have made it through.

Leading the Stage 3 qualifiers

is Charlie Robbins,

followed by Rob Patterson

and Bryson Klein.

But we still have five Ninjas left to have their shot.

Let's see who can join them.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Our next contender was last-placed qualifier in Stage 1,

so he's even more determined

to get his place in Stage 3.

He'll need to attack this course like never before.

From Brisbane, Ryan Solomon.

Definitely a highlight

from Stage 1 in the finals.

To climb up

and hit that buzzer with only 6 seconds left

was, uh, a bit nerve-racking.

This is gonna mean so much to Ryan Solomon

and his wife, Amy.

It meant the world to me to see Amy so happy.

Seeing me hit that buzzer, you know,

she knows how much hard work and dedication,

sacrifices I've had to make.

You know, she's been with me every step of the way.

I'm super excited to be heading into the grand final, Stage 2 tonight.

Standing on the start line, waiting for that siren,

I'm just thinking I want to show people why I'm here.

This is the furthest I've made it in Ninja Warrior.

Tonight I'm just here to finish what I came to do.

I'm gonna give it everything.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

The 30-year-old plumber from Brisbane, Ryan Solomon.

Series one grand finalist.

This time round, pressed the buzzer on Stage 1.

Yay, Ryan!

REBECCA: Here goes Ryan Solomon. (STARTER BEEPS)

Amy looks nervous on the sideline.

He is our heaviest Ninja - how will that play out?

Well, he's 90 kilograms,

so more than 20 kilos heavier

than the likes of Rob Patterson and Charlie Robbins.

But he's done one and now the I-Beam Gap.

I fear this is gonna test the 30-year-old from Brisbane -

one of our heavier competitors -

as now he has to somehow manoeuvre his body up that beam.

Come on, babe! You've got this!

Yeah - and after what happened to our other muscle man, Mike Snow,

he'll want to be super careful here.

Just getting a little bit stuck.

Takes his legs off - takes all the weight on those fingers.

Must have strong fingers. He must. Come on, Ryan!

He does it! (CHEERING)

Yes, babe!

Amy very happy that her hubby's made the 1.9-metre gap.

And he's done it well.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE) Yes!

OK. Here he goes. Ryan Solomon on the Salmon Ladder.

There is no doubt about it -

he is our biggest and muscliest Ninja in the grand final.

Needs to get it moving - that clock soon disappears.

The time will tick away!

1 minute, 8 seconds left for Ryan Solomon.

Come on, babe!

On to the Unstable Bridge now.

A lot of forearm burn here.

And I reckon this is going to be a challenge for Ryan Solomon.

And the clock's getting away here, Ben.

He's more than 20 seconds slower than Charlie.

It's still doable but he has got to get moving!

Use all that power!

He's gonna have to move every muscle in that big body.

And this is chewing time, as he takes more time...

Oh, he's gone!

And oh, Ryan Solomon's gone for a bath.

He'll be so disappointed with that. Whoo!

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Great effort getting here, though.

Absolutely sensational.

Ryan, how much has this meant to you and your wife, Amy?

Oh, it means the world, you know?

Uh, so much, you know, hard work, dedication

goes into getting this far

and, uh, you know, my wife's my biggest supporter, my number-one fan

and just, she's the only reason I'm here tonight...

Yeah! ..You know, I couldn't do it without my wife, really.

She... she's my everything, so...

Alright. You've been an absolute star. Amy's waiting round that side.

Congratulations, mate. Well done. Top man. Well done, mate.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE) REBECCA: Such a great couple

and we are so happy to hear that after a really tough year,

they are expecting a baby.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE) BEN: Best news ever.

RYAN: Little bit disappointing. No! Don't be disappointed, babe.

You did so well.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE CONTINUE)

Next up, a Ninja who matches technical perfection

with almost as much speed

as 'Flashlin' Ashlin Herbert.

He's one of the front-runners

to take out the prize.

It's the barefoot Ninja, Daniel Mason.

DANIEL: I've never wanted anything so much.

If I did happen to get to the top of Mount Midoriyama,

I'd definitely be looking down,

trying to find Maddy and Fletcher.

I don't think I would have been able to do it without them.

For us, winning would be amazing for setting up our family life.

Me and Maddy have always wanted to build a house,

so I think a lot of it would go towards that.

Feeling extremely excited for tonight,

to get into grand final Stage 2.

Ashlin's gonna be the one to beat

but I'm gonna be hot on his heels.

It's the barefoot Ninja, Daniel Mason.

Amazingly, this is the first time he's made the grand finals.

But I tell you what - out of all the Ninjas,

the progression that this lad has made

has been unbelievable.

It sure has, Freddie.

After last night, I think this run could be a real game-changer.

Bubba Fletcher there and his wife Maddy cheering him on.

(STARTER BEEPS)

The buzzer.

Daniel Mason is off for Stage 2.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

BEN: A little bit of a slow start.

Every second counts. Only 2 minutes 10.

And he's on the ropes at the moment.

He's going to want to pick up the pace slightly

if he wants to make it to Stage 3.

But he's going super-quick through the I-Beam Gap.

He's made it up there. He's a climber - you can tell that.

One of our smaller Ninjas, finding the I-Beam easy to get round.

Just needs to transfer himself from the first beam to the second.

A backward leap and grab on tight.

(CHEERING)

Oh, you just hold your breath there, don't you,

that they don't fall in the water on obstacle number two.

That would be devastating for any Ninja.

Gee, he's making up a lot of time.

Now the Salmon Ladder.

Keep it up!

Yeah, this is an old favourite.

Daniel Mason has done it plenty of times.

You've gotta go up three rungs. That's one.

There's two. There's three. Gee, he looks good.

1 minute 20 left on the clock, Bec. He looks really good.

Now he's on the Unstable Bridge.

Just making the transfer to the first bridge.

Saving a lot of time here as well.

He's 5 seconds behind Charlie Robbins to this point.

Oh, smoothly done, Daniel!

All that technique, all that training coming into play now

on the Stage 2 course.

Come on! Keep moving.

As he now gets ready for the trapeze to Parallel Pipes.

Here he goes.

Let's have a look at the big swinging.

You've gotta kick back.

Ideally this is done in only two swings

and that's exactly what Daniel Mason does.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

OK. Now he's just gotta do a climbing motion

down to the safety of the mat.

Then he come up to the Cat Grab. How's the time, Ben?

He's alright. 40 seconds. He makes this leap.

Big leap.

He's 3 seconds quicker than Charlie at this point.

He is flying.

Yes, Daniel Mason! And he's got 30 seconds.

Three walls - 20kg wall's up.

The 30kg wall's up.

He's gonna do this comfortably.

Hand's on the buzzer!

And with that, he is through to Stage 3...

and the fastest of the night so far.

1 second faster than Charlie Robbins!

How good is he?

Daniel Mason.

He's not just got eyes on the 100 grand.

He wants 300 and Mount Midoriyama.

Still to come,

we are headed to uncharted waters.

Stage 3 of the grand final course

and beyond - a shot at Mount Midoriyama.

Just three more Ninjas can make it.

Newcomer Zak Stoltz...

We're here. It's, like, the real, real finale.

Absolutely stoked to have made it here.

I mean, just gotta show what I got.

Josh O'Sullivan is pursuing his destiny.

I've trained for it, I've visualised it

and now I'm ready to conquer it.

And the red-hot favourite, Ashlin Herbert.

He's fallen in Stage 2 twice before.

Makes it... No, he doesn't!

Ashlin Herbert bombs out!

Can he beat his hoodoo?

Yeah, I reckon I can do it. There's a lot of pressure.

You can fall off on stupid little things.

I'll be watching for it.

Welcome back to the thrilling conclusion

of season three of Australian Ninja Warrior,

where so far, we've seen four Ninjas make it through Stage 2.

Bryson Klein.

Rob Patterson.

Charlie Robbins.

And the fastest of the night so far,

Daniel Mason.

All are still in the running for a guaranteed 100 grand

and perhaps a shot at Mount Midoriyama.

Will our next competitor join them?

Let's find out.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Our next contender is the youngest Ninja to progress to Stage 2.

He's just 19 years old.

From Rye in Victoria,

Zak Stoltz.

ZAK: Going into Stage 2 tonight, the grand final,

I'm feeling pretty nervous but also really excited.

I mean, got the chance to prove myself, show what I can do,

It's really, really nice to have your name up there

and, sort of, recognised by some people

and show them what you've got as well.

I recently lost my dad - it was only three months ago, if that -

and tonight I'm running for him.

He always used to tell me,

"Oh, now, you've gotta do this obstacle like this,"

and he had no clue what he was talking about

but I've always just been thinking to myself -

it keeps a smile on my face.

And I wish Dad was here to experience that as well.

Yeah, nah, he'd be proud.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Zak Stoltz, turned up with his mate Ashlin Herbert.

Training partners.

Said he can go just as fast.

And so far, he's not been far off.

Mum's on the sideline tonight - Joanne -

and I can tell you, his dad would be so, so proud.

Good luck, Zak.

REBECCA: Zak's dad sadly passed away a few months ago

but on the sideline tonight, as Freddie said, his mum, Joanne,

mate Troy and grandma Sheree.

(CHANTING) Zak, Zak, Zak!

The buzzer.

Get it, Zak! And he goes on the Rope Jungle.

Looking nice and relaxed on this first obstacle.

Needs to keep his feet up, though. No silly mistakes in the water.

Last rope for Zak Stoltz.

And how relaxed is he, Bec?

Very relaxed. Watch your legs here, Zak!

Yeah, watch your legs, 'cause they're long.

Definitely to Zak's advantage there.

Just needs to get them up and across.

Bit of a shuffle.

He's hanging in there, with 1 minute 44 on the clock.

Keep them legs hooked up the top,

as now he starts moving up.

Taking the strain in the arms and the shoulders.

Now just needs to transfer onto the second of the beams.

(CHEERING) Yes!

No problem whatsoever.

Zak's making his hands really do the work here.

Oh, imagine the hands burning! Not even using his feet now.

I don't know if that's smart - according to our experts,

you need to use your legs

because you've got a lot of upper-body obstacles to come,

like this one. OK. The Salmon Ladder. One.

Two. Three.

He reckons he can't be beaten by anything, Zak Stoltz,

and now the Unstable Bridge.

Going for it. There we go.

Gets good distance on that first one.

Get some swing! Get some swing!

How's the clock looking, Ben? 1 minute left on the clock.

Here's the transfer.

Yes, it's sweet.

And Zak Stoltz, he seems confident that he's got enough time left -

however, there are three obstacles to go.

And it's the Trapeze to Parallel Bars.

That's it! Nice!

Zak's a gymnast, so should be good

but he's added an extra swing there -

that'll cost him in terms of time.

(CHEERING) Ooh, he was lucky there.

His swing wasn't all that big.

There's only 30 seconds left on the clock.

He's still got two obstacles to go.

17 seconds behind Dan Mason.

Needs to get moving.

He can still have this but he's gotta really put the foot down, Bec.

Here he goes on the Cat Grab. Scales the first wall.

Oh, no. 15 seconds left on the clock.

He's gonna have to rush. He's gonna have to get a wriggle on.

He's gonna have to jump down as fast as you like.

10 seconds... Oh! And he fell!

Oh, no!

He's OK. He's OK. But what a brutal fall.

He just misjudged his landing spot.

I think he was rushing as well.

They're able to see a clock at the end of the course,

so they have some sense of how much they've got left.

I reckon he had a look at that clock

and thought, "I'm running out of time here."

Rushing is a risky business on Ninja Warrior.

You'll see here on the replay, Zak landed on the heels of his feet.

If he had've been on the front part of the feet, closer to the toes,

it would have been better for him.

But it wasn't to be.

Zak, it was close! Was it just as you heard the time ticking down,

just playing on your mind? No, I was feeling pretty good.

I think I just made a silly little slip-up.

I mean, it happens. You've gotta be perfect on the night.

Unfortunately tonight, I wasn't

but next year, I'll be back with a vengeance, so... look out!

And your mum's on the sidelines tonight. How proud is she?

Oh, she'd be stoked. She's proud, I'm sure.

And how's your curly-haired friend gonna go tonight, Ashlin Herbert?

Oh, he'll smash it, as always.

You're probably right. Zak, it's been a pleasure.

Well done, mate. Keep smiling.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

And that curly-haired friend, Ashlin Herbert,

will be hitting this course in a matter of minutes.

Well done, darling.

Considering his speed on Stage 1,

I reckon we might be in for something special tonight.

But first, a Ninja who qualified for Stage 2

10 out of 11.

He'll be looking to improve on that.

And after crashing out

on the second-last obstacle

in last year's grand final,

he'll be giving his all tonight.

From New South Wales, Josh O'Sullivan.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

If ever a Ninja was prepared for this course,

Josh O'Sullivan, from New South Wales, is that man.

He describes this as his 'destiny'.

He's given up work for the past two months,

just to train.

He visualises every part of the Ninja Warrior course,

so nothing's a surprise.

And he's doing it now.

(CHEERING)

That's mum Jo, grandma Carmen and girlfriend Betsy, the disco Ninja.

She's been there every step of the way.

Come on, Josh. (STARTER BEEPS)

He's away.

Here goes the buzzer. Makes a flying leap onto the first rope.

There are five ropes -

you don't necessarily have to touch all of them.

What will he do?

Hey, he's got great strength through the air, doesn't he?

That's a really good start for him, Josh O'Sullivan.

And now the I-Beam Gap.

Uh, he is moving at a furious pace.

I think this is the fastest start we've seen so far tonight.

Now the transfer.

(CHEERS, GASPS) Oh!

Ooh, little bit of a slip. You can't rush too much, Josh!

Oh, my god.

Betsy saying it how we all feel

but Josh is doing a great job, time-wise.

Now on to the Salmon Ladder to Unstable Bridge.

1 minute 30 on the clock.

He needs to go up three levels. That's one.

Two. Three.

Josh O'Sullivan's looking good here, Bec.

Unstable Bridge now.

And that is a big swing!

Oh! Ooh!

Oh, he's just banged his head on the Unstable Bridge!

Bit of a hectic run from Josh O'Sullivan.

Probably not what he was expecting but he's still on the course.

He's still moving.

Come on, babe! Keep going!

His time is fantastic.

He is so much fitter than what we've seen in seasons one and two.

He's gone away and done the hard work

and it is paying off in the grand final tonight.

Now he's on the Parallel Pipes

and with 55 seconds left on the clock.

11 seconds faster than Daniel Mason. Whoa!

This is the Cat Grab.

Just doesn't want to falter here.

Now going backwards on this.

Interesting technique. Make it a bit more difficult for himself.

He's just so, so fast.

9 seconds ahead of the barefoot Ninja.

There's no stopping him!

He's powering through these walls.

Josh O'Sullivan! (CHEERING)

Fantastic! Yes!

Shirt off.

Buzzer pressed. Whoo-hoo!

And that is our fastest time of the night so far.

He can't believe it.

He cannot believe he is through to Stage 3.

You deserve it, Josh O'Sullivan.

You put in the hard work and you are there.

He took a knock early - bam! - But it was an incredible recovery.

10 seconds faster than Daniel Mason.

He reckons this is destiny

and tonight's his night.

Josh, just break this... can I just break this up?

Yes! Cheers, Josh.

Josh, thank you. There's your drink. Oh!

Josh, before this, you said that this was your destiny this year.

Can you actually describe how much you want to get up Mount Midoriyama?

It's been part of my visualisation work, you know,

truly believing that I can do it,

manifesting the reality

and here I am - I'm happy to be here.

OK, well, Josh, amazing run. I'm sure Betsy's waiting there for you.

Well done, pal.

BEN: We've got one run left for Stage 2

but before we do that, let's have a look at the leaderboard.

Our top five Ninjas

all completed the course

and are moving through to Stage 3.

Josh O'Sullivan, fastest,

by an amazing 10 seconds,

ahead of Daniel Mason,

Charlie Robbins, Rob Patterson

and Bryson Klein,

the slowest qualifier.

Our bottom five Ninjas

all failed an obstacle

or timed out,

meaning they're out of the running

in season three

but it's been an amazing achievement

by all

to get this far.

But up next, the Ninja most expect

to claim the very top spot on that leaderboard -

Ashlin Herbert

Ashlin, he's quick. Fast.

This is phenomenal.

His speed is unrivalled.

I think we're looking at the person most likely to be the first-ever...

Oh, Flashlin! ..Australian Ninja Warrior.

There's gonna be an epic run from him, I reckon.

Tonight I'm going fast. That's the only way I know how.

Mount Midoriyama, I'm coming for you.

Don't go anywhere -

he's coming up next on Australian Ninja Warrior.

Welcome back to Australian Ninja Warrior,

where we're about to see our last run of Stage 2.

And it promises to be one we won't forget.

This Ninja is one of the favourites to crush tonight's second stage

and go for broke at Mount Midoriyama.

A grand finalist in seasons one and two.

Furthest, fastest by a long way

in the heats and semi finals this year,

the most amazing, naturally gifted athlete we've seen on Ninja Warrior.

'Flashlin' Ashlin Herbert!

(CHEERING)

Here he is, then, 'Flashlin' Ashlin Herbert.

All the other Ninjas now will be gathering

to see how this young man goes.

Not put a foot wrong so far in season three.

He does not care about the clock. He knows he's fast.

This guy just does not get fussed by anything.

He just doesn't get fazed by the moment.

He is so cool and calm.

Look at him smiling there on the start line.

He's waving to people!

Yeah, including mum Joanne and mate Dirk.

(STARTER BEEPS)

OK. The Rope Jungle.

And he gets straight out

and reaches out with his left arm onto rope number two.

And now finds rope number three

and before you know it, Ashlin Herbert is done.

Don't take your eyes off him -

this could be one of the fastest runs you'll ever see.

And once again... Oh, my goodness!

..this is the all-hands technique.

Did you see how he... Look what he's doing here!

Oh! We haven't seen that tonight. The big transition!

He thought, "I don't want to go up and around

"when I can go straight across - why bother?"

(CHEERING) Coming up now to the Salmon Ladder.

He's already 10 seconds faster than anyone else.

He's... he's up the...

(SPECTATORS GASP) He's down!

Oh, no! He's slipped. The favourite's gone!

And that means he's out.

This is unbelievable.

Unbelievable.

That's the end of his run.

Oh, he's gone back onto the platform.

Come on, Ash!

(CHEERING)

The moment that bar leaves the Salmon Ladder, you're out,

because if it wasn't for the safety line, he'd be in the water.

The buzzer will go off here. He's disqualified.

(BUZZER) There you go.

(SPECTATORS CLAMOUR) Ashlin Herbert has been disqualified.

Ashlin does not want to give up.

Ash! Ash, Ash.

THE favourite, the fastest Ninja we've seen,

checks out early - I can't believe it, Bec.

Everybody is shocked here.

Olivia Vivian there cannot believe what just happened.

It just goes to show, doesn't it,

that this course will eat up even the best.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

It's a carbon copy of last season.

Stage 2, Ashlin's speed is his strength

but also his weakness.

It leaves him open to error and for the second time running,

the most naturally talented athlete

has failed in the grand final.

Ash, it was never gonna be speed that stopped you, was it?

It was always gonna be that little mistake.

As always, yeah, the little mistake.

Oh, well.

(LAUGHS) What happened, mate?

Uh, I fell off.

(LAUGHTER)

Simple as that? Simple as that.

I must admit, everyone watching in the crowd, at home,

on the sidelines - you might not say a lot

but when it comes to getting on the course,

you're pretty good, aren't you?

You must be pleased with how you've gone up until that point.

Yeah, definitely. Definitely pleased with how I went.

Furthest, fastest most nights, so, um,

just not tonight.

Man, I must admit, you've been an absolute pleasure.

Watching you on the course has been great. Well done, mate.

Unlucky tonight. Well done, Ashlin. Top man.

(CHEERING)

It's the biggest shock of season three.

Ashlin Herbert has been disqualified

on the Salmon Ladder.

We're not the only ones who can't believe it.

The crowd absolutely stunned

that Ashlin, the hottest of hot favourites,

is gone from the grand final.

BEN: But after all that,

from 11 Stage 2 starters,

5 are through to Stage 3.

Let's have a look at the leaderboard.

Josh O'Sullivan qualified

with the quickest time tonight,

followed by Daniel Mason

and Charlie Robbins.

Rob Patterson fourth,

Bryson Klein fifth.

This is history in the making.

Just five obstacles now stand between our remaining Ninjas

and Mount Midoriyama.

But it is still a long way away.

Stage 3 is brutal.

Some might say impassable.

But we know it can be done.

In America, Ninjas have taken on Stage 3 and won.

Cannonball Alley goes to work on Ninjas' grip and forearms.

Next is the physically toughest obstacle we've seen -

the Body Prop.

Every muscle burns as they hold their own weight between those walls.

It's back to forearm punishment on the Crazy Cliffhanger.

There's barely room for a fingertip

and if they make it across,

there's a technical lache

to finish.

Then the Floating Doors, the one all Ninjas fear.

There's nothing to grip.

You push exhausted hands and feet into the doors to hold yourself up.

The longer it takes, the more it burns.

Finally, the Flying Bar.

Five laches, back to back to back.

Complete that

and Ninjas will be standing face-to-face with Mount Midoriyama

and a possible $300,000.

Get ready - Stage 3 is next.

The Ninja Warrior who powers their way furthest and fastest,

outlasting the others,

will be declared the season's winner

and take home $100,000,

thanks to Energizer.

Welcome back to the second night

of the Australian Ninja Warrior grand final

and we are well and truly at the pointy end of the competition.

The title and the prize money are within touching distance.

Stage 3 of the Australian Ninja Warrior grand final course

has never been attempted

but in a moment, five incredible athletes will take their shot.

BRYSON: Feels amazing

to be one of the five Ninjas in Australia to have come this far.

Gonna give it my absolute everything.

DANIEL: It's pretty crazy to think that only five obstacles

stand in the way of me and Mount Midoriyama,

so it's gonna take everything I've got to get there.

CHARLIE: It hasn't hit me that money's still on offer.

I can't comprehend having 100 Gs.

Or even 300.

One of us is gonna walk away with coin.

It's crazy. It's hard to comprehend.

JOSH: I've trained for the rope, I've trained for Mount Midoriyama.

I feel like I've put the time and the effort in,

so this could be my year.

ROB: I think this year, at least one person will get to Midoriyama.

Whether it's me or not, I can't tell.

There's so many good Ninjas out there

and there's so many easy ways to slip up on Stage 3.

(CHEERING)

BEN: Whoever goes furthest, fastest will receive $100,000.

If they make it up Mount Midoriyama,

it's 300k.

The pressure's real,

the course unforgiving.

Let's bring out our first Ninja.

From New South Wales, Josh O'Sullivan.

(CHEERING)

Josh O'Sullivan, the fastest on Stage 2 in the grand final.

Now is the time to find out whether this is your destiny or not, Josh.

Yeah, Josh centring himself.

Part of his routine.

Come on, Josh!

The disco Ninja, Betsy Burnett, with Josh all the way.

Oh, imagine the nerves.

Nobody's ever been to Stage 3.

Nobody's ever been five obstacles away from Mount Midoriyama.

And the house is full of Ninjas tonight.

They all want to see history made.

And a little bit of housekeeping -

the Ninjas can't see each other's runs,

so no-one gets an advantage.

And because Stage 3 is not about time -

it's about completing the five obstacles -

we won't be seeing the clock.

Here we go. Josh O'Sullivan and potentially a $100,000 run.

MAN: Smash it! (CHEERING)

Kicks off on Cannonball Alley.

There are small balls and there are bigger balls.

Generally you can handle the smaller balls with one hand

but you need two hands for the bigger balls.

(CHEERING)

And every obstacle in this course in Stage 3

is set up for maximum burn.

He is nearly through the first obstacle.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Take some time to shake it out, Josh!

Now the Body Prop.

Really important that you dry out the hands and the feet,

because this is all about sticking yourself in between those rails,

if you like.

This Stage 3 course just tests everything about our athletes.

It tests their mental strength, physical strength,

and above all, how much they want this.

Josh O'Sullivan. Look at that steely look. Look at his eyes.

Focusing on each little movement with those hands.

This obstacle is the toughest of all.

It works your back, your core, your shoulders.

You can't rush and the burn, well, it just builds and builds.

We should make the point that these walls are adjusted

based on the height of each Ninja,

so it's not like you have an advantage...

If you're taller. ..if you're taller.

Here he goes. He's just starting the climb up the hill,

which is so tough on your body.

Imagine doing a plank all day and all night.

Yeah, this is just off-the-scale tough.

He's gonna... Oh, yes, yes, yes!

He is through the Body Prop.

Josh O'Sullivan. Take a breath, babe! Take a breath!

Just stopping here.

You might wonder why he's going so slowly.

They'll win tonight if they're the furthest.

This is about distance, not rushing.

Yeah, time will only come into it

if two Ninjas reach exactly the same point

but they all know they need to go the distance.

OK. Josh O'Sullivan on the Cliffhanger.

All the weight on his fingertips

but he's so strong, this bloke.

See the bent arms? That's great control.

But he's burning energy.

Up he goes

and down he goes again, making the transfer onto the second-last board.

Don't slip, Josh!

(CHEERING) Yes!

Come on, Joshy!

Now he's gonna turn his body around,

lache himself onto the last of the cliffhangers.

Using that body. He's swinging across.

Yes! Oh, he's there!

Wow, Josh O'Sullivan, the dream is still alive!

Yes!

Just two more obstacles between Josh and Mount Midoriyama.

Australian Ninja Warrior has never been this close before.

Whoo! Floating Doors next.

They look simple

but it is diabolical, because there's nothing to grip.

You can only keep yourself up by pinching the doors between your feet

and that is so, so hard.

Come on, Joshy!

Let's just let everyone know as well, as far as the rules are concerned,

you can't use the top of the doors.

Only the sides.

How do you do that? Let's find out!

Come on, Josh!

(SPECTATORS SHOUT)

What?! Josh O'Sullivan has fallen.

Oh!

What an incredible effort, though.

The crowd upstanding for Josh.

And so they should be.

Josh O'Sullivan gave his all to Stage 3.

Look at the strain as he edges across the Body Prop

and the sheer athleticism on the Cliffhanger.

But sadly, the Floating Doors sunk his hopes.

Josh, I've gotta ask you -

how tough is this Stage 3 course?

Oh, mate, really tough.

To be honest, I'm always focusing on the obstacle that I'm on,

just trying to get that mental state as much as I can,

so really happy to be here

and, uh, look at the crowd!

What's going on there? (CHEERING)

Yeah!

Well, Josh, we're gonna have to wait

and find out how the rest of the Ninjas go

for who's furthest, fastest

but great effort, mate - well done, pal.

BEN: Take a bow, Josh O'Sullivan.

Well, Ben, he's certainly set the bar for the others to follow

and the $100,000 question is, can anyone go further?

We are about to find out.

Our next competitor completed Stage 2 in the slowest time tonight.

But our Blue Mountains rock climber is confident he can go all the way.

It is Bryson Klein.

Now, then, Bryson Klein, what have you got?

You've reached Stage 3.

The wonder boy has got the opportunity now

to show everyone how good he really is.

Oh, he's taken his shirt off!

Look at them abs!

Oh, the girls in the crowd are going wild.

And so too a few of the fellas!

What a moment.

He could be walking away from this course tonight

at least $100,000 richer.

Bryson Klein. He is the youngest in our field of five in Stage 3.

(STARTER BEEPS) There goes the buzzer.

Cannonball Alley first up.

This plays to his rock-climbing strengths

and you see there,

making sure he gets the hand right over the top of that ball.

But then you often need both hands on there to swing.

And just imagine the pressure this is putting on the arms and the chest

but he's done.

This is a tough course but when you line them all up together,

these obstacles, by the time they're at obstacle five,

they will be done.

Don't rush!

Bryson Klein, just trying to figure out

how he's gonna take on the Body Prop.

He has to wedge his feet in, wedge his arms in

and just shuffle across, just like that.

They've never seen anything like this before

and this Body Prop is just hard to navigate.

OK. Let's have a look at how he goes.

Really hard.

You've gotta be oh, so careful.

Come on!

Look at the determination. Look at the concentration.

We're used to seeing this lad flying through the course.

And look what he's doing there - he's just turning the hands out.

I think that's just to give him some extra balance, I'd say.

He's doing it really delicately.

Now this is the tricky bit - going up.

Uphill and then there is a pole at the top.

You can use the pole - you don't have to.

If you just want go onto the crash mat,

the pole is there for an extra bit of support.

He looks comfortable. He's going for it.

And he's done it! Well done, Bryson Klein!

OK. (CHEERING)

Shake it out!

Shake it out! Shake!

Just shaking out the arms to recover

before he has to take on the next one.

Next up, the Cliffhanger.

And this is oh, so challenging - gripping that narrow ledge.

Again, Bryson's rock-climbing training

is gonna come into play here.

But remember, our Ninjas are already so tired from Stage 2.

Reaching forward. Plenty of upper-body strength.

A light body, long arms.

Look at Bryson!

Now, this next shelf actually drops down a little

and then this thing that is just a mind-boggling challenge here.

They've gotta turn the body around, and like Josh O'Sullivan,

try and lache and hold on.

(CHEERING)

Oh, Bryson Klein!

Here we go! Brilliant!

Brilliant.

(CHORTLES)

Now Bryson Klein on to the Floating Doors.

Two obstacle between him and Mount Midoriyama.

Now, the best bet here is to jump on the first one

and squeeze the board between your ankles -

almost put the soles of your feet together.

Use your feet and your hands.

Don't be tempted to use your knees,

because if you try pinching it with your knees,

you'll lose the grip with your feet.

(CROWD CHANTS)

The crowd are getting into this.

They're sensing, could a Ninja have a crack at Mount Midoriyama?

Good foot position but to transfer across,

he needs to take his weight onto his hands.

It's so much harder.

Fight it! Come on!

Just getting a little bit stuck.

It's such an awkward position... Oh!

..to try and manoeuvre... No, Bryson Klein, no!

And the second door takes down Bryson Klein,

our youngest competitor to get through to Stage 3

and he's in the running for the $100,000.

(CHEERING)

What about the smile on his face?

Doesn't it just sum up the attitude of our Ninjas?

Despite him falling in the pool, that was a master run.

I think that's a lot harder than it looks.

That's really hard.

Yeah, dad Matt. He couldn't be prouder.

How's Bryson going down there, Freddie?

Wow, Bryson, you meant business tonight.

The shirt was off. Yeah, it was off.

I got wet, Freddie! I got wet! Oh!

You did get wet! We don't see that too often.

Talk us through how hard that is.

It's ridiculous. Um...

Yeah, just... very little grip.

You know, I was feeling good. Wasn't tired.

It's just a hard obstacle.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE) It's hard alright.

Two Ninjas have reached the doors

and both have fallen at exactly the same spot.

So close to Mount Midoriyama.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

But after the break, last year's furthest, fastest,

Rob Patterson.

The barefoot Ninja, Dan Mason, steps up to the challenge.

And the rookie with his eye on the prize,

golfer Charlie Robbins.

The grand final Stage 3 course returns right after this.

(DRAMATIC MUSIC)

REBECCA: Welcome back to Australian Ninja Warrior

and we're in the middle of a history-making Stage 3.

(CHEERING)

And already we've seen Josh O'Sullivan and Bryson Klein

fall at the Floating Doors

but a reminder - for fairness,

Ninjas can't see each other's runs,

nor are we showing their times.

Three Ninjas remain. Let's bring out our next contender.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

He was the furthest and fastest on the course last year

and tonight he finished Stage 2 with 20 seconds on the clock.

Welcome to Stage 3, Queensland's Rob Patterson.

(CHEERING)

This is something Rob has wanted for a very long time.

Now this is it. This is his moment.

There's Janet and Russell, his mum and dad,

sister Louise and girlfriend Tamara.

(SPECTATORS CHANT)

He's played the long game this season.

Not really pushing too hard.

He's saved himself for a shot at Mount Midoriyama.

Well, Rob, your time has come. (STARTER BEEPS)

Just five obstacles stand in your way.

This is the Cannonball Alley.

OK. Now, you'll see he's on one-hands.

When he... Oh! That was a missed swing there.

When he goes to the bigger balls,

which is just ahead of him,

you'll see him probably go to two hands on the one ball.

Can't get the next ball!

This is not the start he wanted.

Oh, he's grabbed hold of the big, red ball!

And the bigger red ball!

You don't want to be up there for too long, because...

The burn.

..it takes some of the power out of those arms.

And he's not resting! He's straight over to this brutal Body Prop.

This is like a plank times a thousand.

Rob Patterson just manoeuvred himself into the curved Body Prop.

Look at the focus on his face.

Oh, look at his face - it's bright red.

The blood is pumping.

This is so hard.

Imagine the abs, the obliques working.

Just a metre or so to go, Rob.

Testing every part of this body.

(SPECTATORS CHANT)

The veins in his face popping out - that's how hard this obstacle is.

It starts going up now.

Inch by inch!

He can just about reach that pole now.

Reaches out...

(SPECTATORS EXCLAIM)

Oh!

He's gone from Stage 3.

That is a burn, that obstacle

and one of our best Ninjas is in the pool on Stage 3.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Well, that is a stunner.

He'd really cruised through the competition to this point

but he just missed his final grab

and at that point, it was all over.

Rob, talk us through how tough that obstacle was.

Oh, I felt so good. It was just that last little bit, coming up.

I haven't practised anything like that before,

so it was a bit awkward trying to look for that pole

and yeah, just slipped.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE) There it is.

Last year's furthest, fastest out

and two Ninjas left to run.

They won't know it but the mark has been set at the Floating Doors.

(CHEERING)

Next - he was the second-fastest qualifier in Stage 2.

BEN: Can the barefoot Ninja be the last man standing?

Here he is - Daniel Mason.

(CHEERING)

And there is so much support for him in the crowd tonight.

Oh, Daniel Mason, the barefoot Ninja.

This is your chance.

Mount Midoriyama is waiting

but is it waiting for Daniel?

His wife, Maddy, on the sideline.

And little Fletcher is somewhere. There he is.

He's sleeping through the action.

Things have just gone up a notch or two here

at Australian Ninja Warrior.

The crowd is up and about, the nerves are next-level.

And the money has just added another level of tension.

Now the Cannonball Alley.

Daniel Mason is going to take care,

every single swing on this first obstacle in Stage 3.

(CHEERING)

Now on to the Body Prop. He doesn't know it but Rob fell on this one.

Pushing his hands, pushing his feet as he comes down this side.

Get a great view of him from down here.

The focus in his eyes, the veins popping out of his head!

Daniel Mason, the barefoot Ninja.

Think of the pressure at the moment.

He knows it's all about going the furthest tonight.

That matters the most

and one small slip

and you lose the opportunity of winning at least $100,000,

possibly $300,000.

He's past the midway point and going up the rest of the Body Prop.

And this is where fatigue really challenges our Ninjas.

Having a check down every now and again

to make sure his feet are in the middle of that rail.

You can see one foot there just slipping down.

He is almost at the end.

Please do not fall off, Daniel Mason!

Imagine the pressure on your core right now.

He's getting shaky, Bec.

Come on!

Oh, hold on!

Look at the body shaking!

Oh, he's just starting to slip!

Ooh! He does it!

Daniel Mason, the barefoot Ninja,

gets off and is alive and well.

But have a look how exhausted he was, Ben!

He really just dropped off the Body Prop.

Now on to the Crazy Cliffhanger.

Take your time, Dan.

Every single muscle will be screaming after that Body Prop.

And a reminder - Daniel Mason has not seen

how our previous Ninjas have fared.

(SPECTATORS CHANT)

Come on, Dan.

There is so much riding on this for Dan and Maddy.

I can't imagine he'll have any problems with this.

As he swings forward...

Yes, Daniel! (CHEERING)

It wasn't pretty but he did it!

(CHEERING) And they love it!

Grip with your feet, Dan.

Dries his feet.

And now the Floating Doors.

Use your feet!

But he doesn't know that the others have gone off

while trying to reach that second floating door.

The thing is, we do

and we know how cruel this obstacle is.

The Floating Doors. They move around.

There's hardly anything for you to grip on...

Daniel Mason falls backwards!

Another one! Another one on the Floating Doors!

Just couldn't keep hold.

Falling down!

Still smiling. Oh, Daniel Mason.

So close to the finish!

Making it to the second-last obstacle.

Oh! Well, let's clarify the rules just now.

So far, Josh, Bryson and Dan have all reached the same spot.

If no other Ninja gets past this obstacle,

it'll come down to who got there first, in the fastest time.

So Dan could be still in the hunt.

(CHEERING)

Daniel, everyone in Australia

was willing you to get through those Floating Doors.

How hard are they?

They are hard. They're so slippery and heavy and, uh... yeah.

Um, obviously too hard for me today! (CHUCKLES)

Well, furthest, fastest does get 100 grand.

You never know where you stand, so you've still got a chance, Daniel.

Been a pleasure. Cheers, mate. Thanks, Daniel.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

It all comes down to Charlie Robbins.

Can the golfing Ninja go further than the rest?

Can he reach Mount Midoriyama?

We'll find out after the break,

where the only certainty is

a winner of Australian Ninja Warrior season three

will be named.

That's next.

The Ninja Warrior who powers their way furthest and fastest,

outlasting the others,

will be declared the season's winner and take home $100,000,

thanks to Energiser.

Welcome back, everybody, to this nail-biting grand final

and the very last run of the season.

Our Ninjas come from all walks of life

but this newcomer took us all by surprise.

Didn't he what! He's 20 years old and he is, of all things, a golfer.

With his grandfather Taffy supporting him all the way,

let's see if he can get a Ninja hole-in-one -

Charlie Robbins!

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Oh, here we go!

Season three of Australian Ninja Warrior

all boils down to this.

I'm not gonna lie - like the crowd, like you at home,

I'm nervous, I'm anxious, I'm excited.

Can the golfer from Rye, Charlie Robbins,

go furthest, fastest

or even take his belt up to the top of Mount Midoriyama?

(CHEERING) Come on, Charlie!

Oh, look at Taffy! What a proud grand-dad.

Charlie! You gonna take your hat off?

I'll take it off.

He loves the fact that Charlie calls him his mate.

Oh, Charlie!

You have got the hopes of a nation riding on your shoulders right now.

(STARTER BEEPS)

Mount Midoriyama just five obstacles away.

No pressure, mate. Cannonball Alley.

We want an Australian up Mount Midoriyama.

It's up to you, my friend.

This is his opportunity to pocket $100,000

if he can get past obstacle number four.

Keep it solid! Yes!

Now on to the real burner. Well done, mate.

Looking good. Wiping the hands.

Making sure there is no sweat on these hands.

You need grip, times a hundred.

Clark Kent had to take his glasses off to turn into Superman.

This kid doesn't - he leaves 'em on.

He's a superman of his own

as he's coming across using them hands, using them feet,

just edging ever closer to this.

He's looking comfortable. He's looking good.

Come on, Charlie Robbins!

Take that ginger banner to the top of Mount Midoriyama!

Come on, son!

His feet are very low down, though, aren't they, on that...

Oh! But he's there!

(CHEERING) Yeah!

Charlie Robbins, on to the Cliffhanger.

Get off your couch, Australia,

get on your feet and cheer this young man on.

Stay focused, mate!

One at a time!

Listen to the atmosphere in Melbourne tonight.

Everyone urging this golfer from Rye through this Ninja Warrior course

and it just seems he's getting stronger and stronger and stronger

as the competition goes on.

Agree 100%, Freddie.

This is the difficult part.

(CHEERING) Yes, Charlie!

He nails it.

The 20-year-old! And it comes down to this.

Come on, Charlie!

This is a $100,000 moment!

Charlie Robbins coming to the Floating Doors.

No Ninja has got through this point in the course so far.

Go easy! One more board!

Take your time, Charlie Robbins. These are very heavy, these doors.

Bring the soles of your feet up. Pinch the door!

Oh, here we go! Go! Go! Come on!

Fight it, Charlie! Fight it, son!

Come on, Charlie! Can he make the transfer?

Charlie, Charlie! Oh, no!

Charlie!

The first time we've seen the golf equipment wet!

And that ginger mop!

But take a bow, son. What an effort!

(CHEERING) Well!

Let's... Before paying tribute to Charlie Robbins,

get to the real business part of the equation here, Bec.

This is going to come down to the clock.

Because everyone fell at exactly the same spot,

it's going to be determined by who reached the Floating Doors first.

There are four in the running

and the clock will decide who wins the $100,000.

We don't know the times at this stage, Ben.

They are being kept from us.

We will announce the winner shortly but first, you've gotta say it -

what about Charlie Robbins?

(CHEERING)

Charlie, you've come from nowhere, newcomer to Ninja Warrior.

You're humble, you're likeable,

you've got your golf kit on

and we've... Your glasses are steaming up now!

Yeah, it's a bit foggy.

But how's it been? We've loved having you on this.

What's it been like for you, Charlie?

Oh, it's been such a crazy experience.

A word I've used a lot is 'surreal'

and it just... yeah, literally just doesn't feel real.

I don't think it'll feel real for a long time.

Got parents, got Taffy, the grand-dad on the sidelines.

Mate, what's it like having them guys here?

Oh, yeah, the support from those makes you feel pretty special.

Well, Charlie, I've gotta say,

you've been amazing.

You've done an unbelievable job.

Ladies and gentlemen, one more time for this fella, Charlie Robbins!

(CHEERING)

BEN: Well, that's it. Our last Ninja for 2019.

We came within two obstacles of Mount Midoriyama

but it remains unconquered for another season.

But someone has won $100,000.

Well done, buddy. Well done. Really proud of you.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Any of the four would be worthy recipients.

Josh O'Sullivan, the modern Mowgli,

devoted the last 12 months to this challenge,

adapting his training to give himself every chance of winning.

It is, he says, his destiny.

Bryson Klein, last year's revelation,

the awkward young rock climber

who becomes poetry in motion when he's on the course,

flowing through every obstacle.

Charlie Robbins, the only newcomer in the group.

He's a scratch golfer.

He looks anything but a Ninja.

But with his grandparents on the sideline,

he showed looks are deceiving.

Or Daniel Mason, the barefoot Ninja.

In his third season, this is his first grand final.

With or without shoes, he is close to technically perfect

and the Ninja many tipped before the competition began.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Our Ninjas made history this year

by going further down the course than ever before.

(CHEERING)

Five made it through to Stage 3.

While none completed the course,

four of them finished at the same obstacle - the Floating Doors.

So now it comes down to who went the fastest.

Josh O'Sullivan,

Daniel Mason,

Charlie Robbins...

Bryson Klein.

The winner of Australian Ninja Warrior for 2019

and the $100,000 prize

goes to...

ALL: Charlie Robbins!

(WILD CHEERING)

Well done, buddy.

Well done. Congratulations, champ.

Well done.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE CONTINUE)

Whoa-ho!

Said, "Come on, buddy!"

How good is that?

Charlie, congratulations. What a huge effort.

In your wildest dreams,

did you ever think that you would be the champion?

In my wildest dreams. This is...

This is unbelievable. Yeah, I don't even... Yeah.

This isn't real. I feel like I'll wake up and it's all just gonna...

I'm gonna be sitting in bed.

BEN: Hey, Charlie,

I gotta tell you - can everyone just confirm here -

this is real life, right?

It's real. He's shaking! This has just happened.

This has just happened, mate.

Charlie, you have a brand-new title

and that is the champion of Australian Ninja Warrior this year.

But not only that...

(CHEERING) ..you're $100,000 richer!

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE) I've gotta ask you,

what are you gonna do with 100 grand?

It's a lot of money, isn't it? Yeah.

I haven't even been able to comprehend that. It's...

Mate, have you thought about maybe paying some money

to your caddy, Taffy?

CHARLIE: Well, he might... Yeah, he might ask for a caddy fee.

Yeah, might have to find someone a bit cheaper.

I think it's time for Freddie to take you down there.

Have a look at that trophy and go and celebrate.

Charlie Robbins! Charlie!

It gives me so much pleasure to say

you are the winner of Australian Ninja Warrior 2019.

It's heavy, mate.

(WILD CHEERING)

(CHEERING CONTINUES)

Well, that brings us to the end of another incredible series

of Australian Ninja Warrior.

BEN: And there's the man, Charlie Robbins.

The bloke who went furthest, fastest this year.

Took home $100,000.

We want to thank all the Ninjas who gave us their all this year.

The supporters, the fans.

And if you're sat on the couch and think being a Ninja looks fun,

get training!

(LAUGHS) For the final time this season

and from all of us here at Australian Ninja Warrior,

congratulations, Charlie,

and... ALL: Goodnight, Australia!

Yeah!

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE CONTINUE)