Original subtitles

BEN: On Ninja Island, history has been made.

BEC: You have set this island on fire, girlfriend!

Ninjas have astounded.

Adrenaline just takes over.

Oh, my goodness!

This is the reason I love Ninja Warrior.

They have defied expectation...

I can't believe it! That was spectacular.

..and they have given... He's got no fear.

Look at him go! ..their all.

Wow! That has just given me goosebumps.

An inspiration to a nation.

Oh and she misses! That is devastating.

That is just heartbreak right there.

I'm super-proud of how far I've come

but also how far all the females have come this season.

From 300 of Australia's best everyday athletes,

24 truly exceptional ninjas have emerged.

To be the Australian Ninja Warrior just takes everything.

Students and teachers,

tradies and servicemen, firies and fighters.

With the dream of making it all the way to Mount Midoriyama.

They soared above the rest to claim their place in tonight's Grand Final.

This is where I get to show everybody what I can do.

It's all been leading to this final challenge

when the full might of the Ninja Warrior course

is unleashed. The only thing that's going to be

going through my mind is, 2:45 - run your arse off.

It's time to declare war on the clock.

Only perfection will do. There are no second chances.

Can anyone conquer it...

I feel like it's there for the taking.

..and stand atop Mount Midoriyama

and be crowned Australia's first Ninja Warrior?

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

(EPIC MUSIC)

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING CONTINUES)

Welcome back to Ninja Island and the final showdown for 2018.

Tonight, from the thousands who applied

to the hundreds who competed, just 24 ninjas remain.

Last night, they conquered Stage One of this brutal Grand Final course

and tonight, another 14 challenging obstacles

stand between them and their ultimate goal -

Mount Midoriyama.

We know in America it took seven seasons

before a ninja managed to reach the top.

But among the Australians hoping to do it in season two

are the deadly ninja, Jack Wilson, the tradie ninja, Sam Goodall

and the Furminator, Stewart Furze

And there's our top speedsters, Bryson Klein,

robot warrior Rob Patterson

and the quickest of them all, 'Flashlin' Ashlin Herbert.

Tonight, time is once again the enemy,

with our ninjas having to complete Stage Two of the course in 2:45.

And as we know, on a course such as this,

the greater the speed, the greater the risk of a mistake.

Let's take a look at the line-up of obstacles

our ninjas will face tonight.

Stage Two has eight obstacles, each one worthy of a Grand Final.

Combined, they are the ultimate test of strength, endurance

and composure.

First up is the Pole Grasper.

The first pole slides on a zipline,

after which ninjas climb through the jungle to the other side.

Picking the wrong route will cost valuable time and energy.

The Bar Hop is next and accuracy is everything

as ninjas lache between suspended cradles,

carrying the bar with them.

One slip and it's all over on obstacle three, the Spider Jump.

Ninjas need to stick the landing, then keep their hands and feet

working together as they traverse through the tunnel.

The fourth obstacle is the Wing Nuts.

Swinging to gain momentum,

ninjas leap between three suspended nuts.

As ninjas fatigue, the course gets even harder

and obstacle five is the toughest yet -

the Rail Runner.

Six metres of upper-body torture.

Ninjas use T-bars to hop along two inclined rails,

fighting to keep the bar straight.

More upper-body work on obstacle six -

the dreaded Salmon Ladder.

In the semis, ninjas struggled to climb three rungs.

Tonight, they have to muscle their way up four.

Make it up there and there are two obstacles remaining,

starting with the Unstable Bridge.

Ninjas shimmy along and then transfer between two floating boards,

the first suspended by four chains, the wobbly second, only three.

Get through that and the eighth and final obstacle

in Stage Two is waiting - the Wall Lift.

Three walls of increasing weight to lift and then move under,

racing against the clock and to hit that all-important buzzer.

Conquer Stage Two and ninjas move onto the even harder stage three.

Six more obstacles which must be completed

to earn a shot at the holy grail - the 22m climb up Mount Midoriyama.

As we saw in our first season,

a winner will only be declared if they make it successfully through

stages two and three and then to the top of Mount Midoriyama.

But, if one of our ninjas tonight can do it,

they'll win the $200k jackpot

and forever have the honour of being Australia's first Ninja Warrior.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

OK, it's time to open up Stage Two

and bring out our first ninja of the night.

At 58kg, he is the lightest ninja in the Grand Final,

but what he lacks in size, he more than makes up for in pure heart.

A crowd favourite, he has surprised

with performances full of grit,

determination and skill.

He really does look to be the complete package.

From South Australia, it's Stewart Furze.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

I honestly can't even believe that this is real right now,

that I've made it this far. Stage One of the Grand Final

was pretty daunting but honestly,

the feeling of that buzzer in my hand was something

that I don't even know how to describe.

The Furminator is through!

Fireworks went off and I was just over the moon.

Stage Two is super-exciting.

I definitely think I was a bit of an underdog.

I don't have big muscles, I don't have a tan.

I'm just a bit of an engineer that loves physical activity.

I'd like to be Australia's next Ninja Warrior

just to prove to people that it's all in your head.

If you want it that badly, you can get it.

On the start line, the underdog, the surprise package.

They said he wasn't big enough. They said he wasn't strong enough.

They said he couldn't get to the top of the Warped Wall.

But the Furminator said, 'Yes, I can!'

Yes, he's here. Yes, he's in the Grand Final.

And yes, we all want him to finish the course.

None more so than his girlfriend, Ashanti, Freddie,

here with Stewart's sister and mum.

It is worth remembering tonight,

the Americans took seven seasons to climb Mount Midoriyama.

History is there for the making.

Get ready, Australia. Here we go. Stage Two underway. The Pole Grasper.

Eight obstacles ahead, 2:45 counting down on that clock.

Everyone urging him through, doing it for all the little fellas

out there, doing it for the underdogs.

OK, he's onto the Bar Hop now. You need really good drive

coming from the hips. Nails the landing.

Now the transition.

He looks comfortable at the moment and if you're counting down at home,

the maths is simple - ninjas have got just over 20 seconds per obstacle.

And at this stage, Stewart is way ahead of schedule.

35 seconds down, a long way to go. Here's the Spider Jump.

Oh, he's stuck it!

His smaller frame is going to help here.

Using his hands and feet well, moving fast.

Big jump.

The Furminator, three obstacles down with 50 seconds gone.

OK, come on, Stewart.

The Furminator now gets ready for the Wing Nuts.

Onto the first.

Gets enough momentum to transfer to the second wing nut.

He lands - no!

Just misses it.

He had his hands on it but they just slipped through.

Stewart Furze bombing out on obstacle four.

He's done so well to get here

and become an absolute star of the show in season two.

The Furminator was caught out by this difficult sideways lache.

You can see he twists his body mid-air

and the wing nut hits him right in the chest.

And after that, he couldn't make the catch.

I'm not gonna lie, you have been my hero of the competition.

Did you think you would be here in Stage Two of the finals?

To be honest, there was quite a bit of intimidation to start with

but I was just so happy to get this far

and to all the other guys that got this far, too,

it's a great achievement.

Ladies and gentlemen, the legend that is The Furminator!

Honestly, pal, you've been great,

I love ya. Well done, pal. Thanks, guys.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

He might not have made it

to Mount Midoriyama tonight but what a great effort

from Stewart Furze in his very first season

of Australian Ninja Warrior.

Our next ninja, though, is a returning Grand Finalist

with the experience and skills to go all the way.

Yeah, that's right, Bec.

Heading to the course now, deadly ninja Jack Wilson.

He finished fourth overall last year.

He's backed it up in season two,

becoming the first ninja

to hit the buzzer last night.

The one, the only Jack Wilson.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

To come this far is a great achievement for me.

Definitely Mount Midoriyama is in sight now.

It's just around the corner. The training that I do at home,

all my routines, waking up early, doing exercise,

I work towards this course, so I can inspire others

and show people that anything's possible.

Stage Two of the Grand Final.

This is when the big leagues start coming out.

I'm going up against some good competition now

but it's not against the comp, now, it's against the time

and he's a pretty good competitor. (CHUCKLES)

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

Jack Wilson, the deadly ninja from Queensland.

He reckons he can make it to Mount Midoriyama and get to the top.

Oh, Jack, how I would love you to do that tonight.

Freddie, he's got incredible support here on Ninja Island in the stands

and on the sidelines. You can see his friends and family

ready to see something special I think.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

Eight obstacles in 2:45.

He's capable of it but can he perform in this pressure cooker atmosphere.

(START TONE)

This is the moment that many of us have been waiting for,

for 12 months - to see Jack Wilson back here in the Grand Final.

One of the most competitive blokes in the country.

But the person he competes against the most is himself.

He just wants to be bigger, better, stronger, faster.

He's on obstacle number two, the Bar Hop.

He's started nice and quickly.

He always looks so athletic, doesn't he?

Onto the second bar.

Gets his swing going and laches across.

Two down in 30 seconds.

Now onto the Spider Jump. Let's go brah, let's go brah.

Let's see how he handles this launch

onto both sides of the ball - no! Jack Wilson!

Jack Wilson, he just didn't get the grip required and sadly,

one of the favourites of Australian Ninja Warrior

is saying an early goodbye. But I'll tell you what,

hasn't this bloke been an utter inspiration

right around the country?

Jack, you've still got that grin on your face.

I think everyone here tonight is just shocked at how you went out.

What happened, mate?

You know, a very unpredictable obstacle, this one.

If you don't hit the tramp well,

if you don't go far enough in, you just come up a bit short.

But anything can happen out there, as you can see.

And what's next now for Jack Wilson, the deadly ninja?

Continue to create that ripple effect,

as you've seen a few ripples here tonight, as well.

But this ripple effect is going to be powerful and strong

and it's going to go into our younger generation

and the new crop coming through.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

Ladies and gentlemen, Jack Wilson.

Well done, buddy. Thanks, fella. Thanks so much.

Jack Wilson - what an inspiration that guy is.

No doubt about it. It just goes to show you,

there's no room for the smallest mistakes

if you want to reach Mount Midoriyama.

Our next ninja knows all about that.

He's another Grand Final returnee, hungry for season two success.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

Stuntman Jayden Irving is one half of the Ninja Brothers and,

like last year, he's outperformed little brother Nathaniel.

He had strong runs in the heats and semis

and finished sixth-fastest last night in Grand Final Stage One.

It is time now for Jayden Irving.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

(SCREAMS)

Made it to Stage One of the Grand Final last year.

Got disqualified on the Spider Jump.

Bad news, Jayden - we've got a Spider Jump tonight.

We certainly do.

Younger brother Nathaniel there made the semis this year

but he's here tonight with mum and dad to watch Jayden go.

And how will he go? (START TONE)

Big run up. It's a running start.

Swings on the first pole, grabs the second,

now looking for the third. You've only got 2:45 -

he's already onto the set of poles at the end of that first obstacle

and now obstacle number two, the Bar Hop. Here he goes.

He's looking good, he's looking strong,

he's looking relaxed.

Makes the first lache and gets to the fixed bar in the middle.

Excellent, one more, one more.

He's got to move this bar across to the next shelf.

He does that.

And with 35 seconds gone,

he's made it to his nemesis - the Spider Jump.

It's already claimed Jack Wilson tonight.

Here he goes.

Nice landing and now he scurries his way through.

Oh, he's quick.

He's got 1:55 left on the clock. He's up to the fourth obstacle.

So quick through that Spider Jump. Here he goes on the Wing Nuts.

Two hands on the first nut. Needs to transfer.

Got the good swing going. He needs to lache to the middle.

Yes. Jayden Irving is flying.

You can do this, buddy.

There's the landing on the third

and now, with 1:33 left on the clock, he comes around the corner.

Four obstacles down, four to go.

Next up is the rail runner.

Now, you've got to get up those hills and go all the way to the end

of the first rail before you can then lache onto the second rail.

He's feeling the burn now

but with a massive effort, he makes it to the transfer point.

Just slowed up a little bit. Fatigue will be kicking in.

The tiredness. I cannot explain how hard this course is,

how much his arms will be hurting, his fingers, every fibre in his body

will be screaming.

Oh, a little trip, there.

Catches himself on the Salmon Ladder.

Four rungs to go up... Oh!

Only three obstacles to go with 50 seconds still on the clock

but he just could not get that ladder up to the first rung.

Jayden Irving, a phenomenal effort.

Jayden, you surpassed last year's performance

where you got disqualified on the Spider Jump.

It must have been a relief to get through that tonight.

Oh, that little sucker. So amped just to get past it.

That was my biggest goal to start this one.

I had enough time to do what I needed to do.

I think I just got a bit slack. Even a little bit too fast.

Is this course doable by any of our ninjas?

100% doable. You've got some weapons here tonight.

I thought I was one of them

but you know, that's what I'll try and make sure to do next time.

Ladies and gentlemen, Jayden Irving!

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

It's three up, three down

in the battle to defeat Mount Midoriyama.

But the fight has just begun.

Ahead, the best of the best.

We count down our five fastest ninjas.

Rock climber Tom O'Halloran.

14 obstacles is going to be absolutely massive.

Wonder kid Bryson Klein.

Going into Stage Two of the Grand Final,

everything is really scary.

Alex 'The Mo' Matthews.

Pretty chill now but when I step up on the line,

I'm going to get angry. (CHUCKLES)

Robot warrior Rob Patterson.

Just the challenge of Mount Midoriyama on its own

is enough to get me there.

And the fastest of them all, 'Flashlin' Ashlin.

Yeah, I want to conquer the course. That'd be awesome to do.

But first, tradie Sam Goodall is ready.

He's been climbing his own Mount Midoriyama all year.

Mount Midoriyama!

And next, Sam's brother-in-law, Zed Colback.

He climbs cliffs for a living.

How high can he go?

I'm pumped. I'm not going to fall in.

I'm going to get to the end.

(CHEERING AND JUBILATION)

(EPIC MUSIC)

Welcome back to Ninja Island,

where Mount Midoriyama lies in wait for our ninjas.

But first, they must complete Stage Two

and then stage three of this Grand Final course.

Warming up to take his shot, our tallest ninja, 6'5" Ben Polson

If I get to the top of that mountain,

it'd mean so much to me.

To be crowned Australia's first ever Australian Ninja Warrior

would just be a huge thing.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

But on course next is a ninja

who's got family pedigree on his side

and the form to go all the way.

WA rock-climbing instructor Zed Colback -

brother-in-law of tradie ninja Sam Goodall.

Zed started the competition strongly

and just got better with every run.

Now here he is at Stage Two of the Grand Final.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

It's just incredible to be here

in Stage Two on my first season of Ninja Warrior.

It's just crazy. I really didn't expect it.

I just want people out there to see someone who was watching it

on TV last season, came here and gave it a shot and got this far.

I want them to be able to be inspired.

Yeah!

To be here tonight, looking at Mount Midoriyama

is just a dream come true.

Now that it's in my grasp and I can see it,

I want it so badly.

I'm just going to get out there and give it

everything I have, because I legit just want it like crazy.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

Zed Colback, one of our new ninjas,

not like the returning ninjas -

no baggage, no fears of the obstacles.

Can he use it? Can he be the first one

to hit the buzzer tonight?

Brother-in-law Sam Goodall on the side.

He's going to be running later.

But for the time being, it's all about Zed Colback.

(START TONE) OK, here he goes. The Pole Grasper.

Good early swing.

He's moving and he's really got the build for this -

light and strong.

He's calm with it, too.

Need I say it, another rock climber doing well.

And he's through. 2:27 left on the clock

and he looks confident. He looks strong.

Oh! Oh, what?

(SCREAMS)

He can't believe he is out on obstacle two.

Neither can Sam and the family.

This is an absolute shock.

You've got to wonder whether nerves played a role here with Zed.

It was a good, strong jump but then maybe just over-anxious to land

the bar in the cradle, so, incredibly,

the rock climber lost his grip.

Zed, that was a huge shock. What happened?

I don't even know.

Maybe a little glitch in the thinking.

I don't know.

But yeah, I just didn't hang on like I should have.

It's been your first time on Ninja Warrior,

inspired by Sam behind,

have you surprised yourself how well you've done?

Oh, massively. No way did I think I'd be standing here.

Not a chance. Top man.

Ladies and gentlemen, Zed Colback!

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

He shouldn't be too downhearted Freddie,

he's had a great first season, full of promise

and I'm absolutely sure we'll see more of Zed in the future.

I think I've got a chance of beating you now.

You can win.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

Well, right now, Olivia Vivian has hit the sidelines.

The first Australian woman ever to reach the Grand Final.

She didn't make it through to Stage Two

but she's here tonight to support her boyfriend, Ben Polson

One of the favourites, one of the stars,

he is our tallest ninja and many believe the most likely

to go all the way to the top of Mount Midoriyama.

He has been a powerhouse so far this season

but he won't have forgotten that it all went wrong for him

at this stage last year.

Give him a big, loud welcome - Ben Polson.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

Coming into Stage Two, the main goal right now

is to get past the first obstacle

because last year I fell on that first obstacle in Stage Two.

Oh, hang on. He's called it a night.

So, just to redeem myself, that would be amazing.

So, I'll have a bit of a celebration

but then straight back to focusing on the next obstacle.

Compared to last season, I feel more confident, more relaxed.

I've trained a lot in the past year and it's really starting to pay off.

Looking at Mount Midoriyama, it's just so close and I would love

the opportunity to climb that rope and hit that buzzer,

because that would just be a huge, huge achievement. So, I'm ready.

Let's do it.

Ben Polson from Western Australia. Is he going to show

all the other ninjas how it's done? Is he going to press the button?

Is he going to go onto Mount Midoriyama? Come on, Ben!

Yeah, that's the question everyone is asking, Freddie,

including Olivia and Ben's mum, dad and sister.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

(START TONE) Ben Polson begins his assault

on season two of Australian Ninja Warrior.

I reckon he's got the goods to go all the way.

Well, a lot of people think so.

At 6'5", he's the tallest ninja this season.

Great wingspan and agility. Has he got the speed?

He's at the Bar Hop and I must say, Bec, I think he's pacing himself.

He's a little slower than we expected at this point.

I guess he's just seen Zed come off here,

so he's treating this obstacle with plenty of respect.

But the longer you take to start the course,

the less time you have at the end.

Come on.

Can he make up some time in the Spider Jump?

Remember, he is our tallest ninja. It's going to be very cramped

for him inside here.

Here we go. From Western Australia,

the 25-year-old music producer blitzes the Spider Jump.

That's more like it.

Gathering momentum,

gathering confidence as he bounces onto the Wing Nuts.

Swinging onto the first one, getting the legs going,

getting the momentum that's needed to reach for the second.

Safely onto the second, 1:40 left on the clock.

He needs to make the transfer to the third.

He does and off - half the course is done.

1:30 left.

He'll need every bit of that for the last four obstacles

and now he grabs a hold of the Rail Runner.

Look at how quickly he's making his way across this first rail.

Bit by bit, inch by inch.

Take your time here, take your time here.

The Rail Runner just chews through

the upper-body strength and Ben's in trouble now.

Ooh, he's having trouble getting up that final hill.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

Wasting valuable time but he's through it now.

He needs to transfer now onto the second of the riders.

He's got 1:05 on the clock. He's got to move it.

You can see how much this is burning, though.

Arms fully extended on the second rail.

Get off there, Ben. The clock has less than a minute.

He needs to get a wriggle on if he's going to make it.

The Rail Runner took a lot out of him, Bec.

He slowed right down coming onto the Salmon Ladder.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

And it's 40 seconds now. Come on, Ben Polson.

You've trained all year for this. He certainly has and now -

oh, what! Oh, my goodness!

Ben Polson just made a fatal error.

Yeah, I guess that's one of the dangers

of being the tallest ninja in this competition.

You'd have to say this was about fatigue and pressure.

Ben was gassed after the Rail Runner and in his rush to get

onto the ladder, his mind was on the bar

but his feet were in the water.

Ben, I'd imagine that's not the way you expected to go out.

You know, a common question is always, 'Is height an advantage?'

And I think I totally proved right then and there

that it's not always an advantage

That's the way the cookie crumbles. But I'm stoked to be here.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

It's just been an amazing experience, you know?

Top man. Ladies and gentleman, Ben Polson! Unlucky, mate.

He'll be kicking himself for making the error but it shows again

how tough this Stage Two is, even for the best of the best.

Coming up, the robot warrior Rob Patterson,

up for the challenge.

Stage Two and three back to back. That's going to be tough.

I'm pretty nervous. It's going to be pretty brutal.

The Blue Mountains climbers out to scale the heights.

Tom O'Halloran... Really psyched to get out there.

It just looks totally awesome.

..and Ben Cossey.

I know I have the capacity to get to the top of Mount Midoriyama.

And next, the BMX ninja,

Daniel Walker, complete with his biggest fan on the sideline.

You're tough, Dadda.

You can do this, Dadda.

Thanks. Kiss?

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

Welcome back to the Grand Final of Australian Ninja Warrior,

where Mount Midoriyama awaits any ninja

able to complete stages two and three.

So far, no one has finished the eight obstacles in Stage Two.

But our next competitor is ready to be the first.

He's a BMX champion and a family man with a huge following

that have cheered him all the way through the heats to the semis,

to the Grand Final in his debut season.

He's ranked the eleventh-fastest ninja

out of the top 24. Here he is - Daniel Walker.

From where I come from, I'm a BMX'er.

You've got rock climbers, parkour, we've got gymnasts.

To get this far, it's a good achievement.

At first, I didn't know how much I wanted it until I hit Stage One.

My next goal is to get up that mountain now.

Daniel Walker from New South Wales.

Our BMX ninja.

Plenty of support in the crowd.

They wear t-shirts, they wear helmets,

they bring handlebars. His runs are never pretty,

they're never smooth,

but they're always fast and they're always entertaining.

There she is.

There's Daniel's number one fan, his daughter Isabel in the red.

She'll be cheering him all the way,

as will wife Brooke, stepson Kyle and baby Colby, there.

He looks focused. (START TONE)

There's the buzzer. He's underway on the Pole Grasper.

2:45 on the clock.

You need to make a really quick start and Daniel Walker's done that.

He'll be happy with it.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

Obstacle number two, the Bar Hop,

and again, he's moving quickly. This is one of these ninjas

who came in with little reputation but boy, hasn't he had a big result?

Used to competition, used to race BMXs.

Not the standard entry point that you would say for our ninjas,

but they come from all walks of life.

Two obstacles down in just over 30 seconds.

The Spider Jump.

He's - no, no!

He almost stuck it

but Daniel Walker ended up all the way down into the pool.

What a great effort on his first mission to Ninja Island.

Oh, little Isabel on the sideline there.

She's so shattered for her daddy.

She can be proud though,

he came from nowhere and became an absolute star of the show.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

He got a good bounce and landed deep

in the Spider Jump but didn't land his hands and feet at the same time.

His left foot was a fraction late

and that unbalanced him and he couldn't stick the landing.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

There you go - daddy's mate it better.

Another ninja falls on Stage Two.

It's clearly more difficult than anything they've ever faced before.

You did well, mate! You did well! The best of the best

are starting to realise what they're up against, including Ben Cossey,

who's warming up. He's keeping things simple.

Go fast, try not to come unstuck and she should be apples, yeah.

Up next, it's Bigg time.

Alex Bigg only made the heats in season one

but what a difference a year makes and a heap of ninja training.

After top ten finishes in the heats and semi finals,

Alex comes into Stage Two of the Grand Final

ranked 16th after last night.

To be at this point this year, it's like vindication

for all the training I've been doing for the last 12 months.

The big ninja is on the big chimney!

Yes!

Being Australia's first Ninja Warrior,

you can't top that. No one can take that away from you.

That would be the greatest feeling in the world.

When I step up to that course tonight,

the only thing that's going to be going through my mind is 2:45 -

run your arse off.

Here he is - Alex Bigg,

representing the Basecamp Crew from South Australia.

He says it means the world to him being here.

Just think how he'd be if he did well!

Celeste and Luke from Basecamp beside the pools.

Celeste made the semis this year

and Luke crashed out last night, remember.

Showing their support for Alex tonight, though,

his wife Amy and six-month-old Arlo.

He's an Air Force technician and he's off to a flying start here

on the first obstacle, the Pole Grasper.

That's a lot of weight to keep up, as well. 86kg.

He's big up the top and he's nice and trim down the bottom.

Here he goes. Obstacle number one, sorted.

Alex's plan is to go as hard

and fast as he can and he's certainly started quickly.

He makes his way across the Bar Hop.

Didn't make it past the heats in season one,

now onto Stage Two in a Grand Final.

Just shows what a bit of hard work and dedication can do.

And now he's got the Spider Jump.

He's landed that OK. That's pretty good and look at him.

He just scoots through.

Oh, wow. Alex Bigg with one of the fastest

executions of obstacle number three, the Spider Jump.

This is number four. And Ben, he is ten seconds quicker

than anyone else to the Wing Nut so far.

Getting his swing going, ready for the lateral lache.

Here he goes. Oh!

We almost had a slip there

but he manages to keep the fingers just where they need to be.

Now he's got enough momentum. He lands it.

And he's down. He can see the finish.

There's enough time left on the clock to finish the stage.

If he's good enough, he'll get this done.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

The clock is looking really good.

Over 1:20 to go.

Here he goes on the Rail Runner

and this one is causing plenty of problems tonight.

We know how strong he is. Just look at him.

Here he comes, up to the transfer point.

Alex is blowing hard. Gets the swing.

Grabs the second bar and now he's got to move along.

You can exit there if you've got enough.

Yes, he does. Just under a minute to go

and the big ninja has the best chance so far

of finishing Stage Two.

He's feeling it in his arms.

The Rail Runner's so tough and now straight onto the Salmon Ladder.

With 45 seconds remaining, Alex Bigg has got to go up four rungs.

There's one, there's two,

there's three and four.

Alex Bigg pushing through the pain barrier.

Two obstacles left!

On to the Unstable Bridge for the first time tonight.

Two boards to cross, suspended by chains.

Shimmies to the middle. Gets ready to lache across.

Just over 20 seconds left. I think he can do it.

He's on part one of the unstable bridge.

He's got to transfer - oh, wow.

With 16 seconds left on the clock,

Alex Bigg goes further than anyone so far

and for that, he can be extremely proud.

Dad did awesome!

Dad did awesome, alright. Awesome is the word.

The big ninja with the big upper-body.

He used it to great effect

on the Rail Runner and the Salmon Ladder

but on the Unstable Bridge, he just stopped short.

He should have gone further on that platform

to make the transfer easier and sadly, he came up short.

Last year, you came and you didn't get through the heats.

Here you are, stage two of the Grand Final.

The furthest ninja so far.

What have you been doing?

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

Training a lot in my shed, at Basecamp, at work, everywhere.

We've loved having you on this series.

Ladies and gentlemen, big ninja Alex Bigg!

So, Alex, the furthest, fastest so far.

But if he can't make it, you've got to wonder,

can any of our ninjas get through Stage Two and onto stage three?

Coming up next...

I'm here to give it the best crack I can.

..rock climber Ben Cossey.

I'm going to overcrush everything that is overcrushable. Yep.

And later, everyone thinks this guy is the man to beat.

Ashlin, oh, he's something else.

He's not quite human, I don't think.

The guy's an absolute animal on course

and he just makes it look so easy, it's embarrassing.

But can our fastest ninja reach the top of Mount Midoriyama?

We'll have to see.

The competitors on Australian Ninja Warrior

all want to make it through the course in record time.

But it's the ninja who goes furthest

and fastest that will be given the title

of Performance of the Night. Thanks to Berocca.

(EPIC MUSIC)

Welcome back to Ninja Island, where so far,

nobody's been able to get through Stage Two of the Grand Final.

Alex Bigg came the closest. He's the furthest, fastest so far,

slipping off the second last obstacle with 16 seconds remaining.

Oh, no! Oh, wow!

Over the break, three more ninjas

took a shot at this tough Grand Final course.

Gotta be ruthless with this course.

Pole-dancing ninja, Ben Toyer, slipped up on the Spider Jump.

Oh, he's gone! The Spider Jump brings him unstuck.

Gymnast Jordan Papandrea went for gold

but only made it as far as the Salmon Ladder.

Aw, how good was that? He was amazing.

We salute you, Jordi, well done.

And one time boxing champ, Cody Philp, was a real contender.

The strength to do it!

Come on, Cody! Dig deep!

But was knocked out on the Salmon Ladder.

What a legend you are, Cody Philp!

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

I'm stood in front of the Salmon Ladder.

It took many a strong ninja out in the semi finals.

It's doing the same in the Grand Final stage, too.

Ben and Bec, who's on next?

Well, Freddie, tackling this formidable challenge next,

Blue Mountains climber, returning Grand Finalist, Ben Cossey.

The heats and the semis weren't the smoothest of runs

for this climbing legend but last night,

he completed the course, making sure of his place

in Stage Two, qualifying 18th fastest out of the top 24.

Yeah, Stage One of the Grand Final was awesome, got to the end.

I feel like I've just warmed up.

20 seconds left on the clock.

He's hanging by the fingertips! He's got his foot up there

on the ledge. He's got to hit the buzzer.

He hits it with his chin!

Going into Stage Two, I'm just going to go as fast

and precisely as possible.

I know I have the capacity to get to the top of Mount Midoriyama.

It feels possible.

I feel like it's there for the taking.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

Ben Cossey facing Stage Two

of the Ninja Warrior Grand Final course.

By his standards, he's been a little bit disappointing

in the competition so far.

Pulled it out of the bag in Stage One of the Grand Final.

Can he be the first one to push the button

and have a crack at Mount Midoriyama?

We'll soon find out, Freddie.

Last year's runner up, Tom O'Halloran,

excited on the sidelines.

Leigh Cossey there, as well, Ben's mum and dad.

C'mon, Ben!

(START TONE)

Here comes Ben Cossey. A flying start on the Pole Grasper.

He seems to be stuck on the second one,

trying to navigate to the third.

This is not a smooth start and it's not very quick

for Ben Cossey. But we know he can recover.

He's just got here. It hasn't been the perfect preparation

but the past is in the past. It's a level playing field now.

He's on the second obstacle, the Bar Hop.

He's made a bit of time up and now he's got to transfer to that shelf

and next up, he'll be off that.

And that's two obstacles down in just over 35 seconds.

Needs to pick up the pace.

Here is he now on the Spider Jump.

He's into the Perspex part of the wall,

pushing his feet against.

He needs to start moving, he needs to build up some pace, Ben Cossey.

Needs to hurry up.

He's got an awkward style, doesn't he? All arms and legs.

He's almost thinking of climbing over the top of the obstacle

by the looks of things. He's struggling inside,

I can see the look on his face.

He's pretty tall and it is pretty squishy in there,

that's for sure. He's giving it everything, Bec.

How gutsy is this bloke? He's only got one shot

and he's not going to leave any petrol in the tank.

Ben Cossey really struggling here.

He's got to get out of there. He needs to dismount.

There he goes, he's down. Now, time is the enemy.

He's got 1:25 and a fair way to go.

He needs to make up some seconds somewhere.

Gets himself onto the Wing Nuts. He's a fighter, won't go down easily.

Now onto the second wing nut.

1:12 remaining.

Time to jump onto the third.

Oh! He only just held on there.

What a save. He is doing everything to keep his hopes and dreams alive

in this Grand Final.

With just a minute to go, Ben Cossey digging in.

He wants this. He's puffed.

Grits his teeth on the first Rail Runner.

He's throwing that bar along. (SCREAMS)

He's screaming. Gee, this is hurting Ben Cossey.

40 seconds remaining.

(SCREAMS)

The roar from this bloke.

(GROWLS)

He's screaming and shouting

and groaning as he makes his way towards the Salmon Ladder.

He's going for the early dismount with 25 seconds left on the clock.

This is going to be a big challenge, Bec.

He looks absolutely spent.

What can he do on the final three obstacles?

Up he goes. Needs to correct himself.

Come on, Ben.

This is an incredible effort.

Talk about pushing yourself to the limit!

That's exactly what Ben Cossey's done there.

Oh, with eight seconds left on the clock - you know what?

Did he give up? No.

Did he jump into the pool? No.

Did he take an early dive? No.

No way. That's not the way it's done on Ninja Island.

Ben Cossey showing real heart and real fight there.

He left himself too much to do after a slow start

but he gave it his absolute all.

You can see how much it was hurting.

In the end, the Salmon Ladder got the better of him.

It's going to take a superhuman effort

to beat this course. I'll tell you what, though,

we've got the names to do it.

Coming up, we count down the best of the best -

the five fastest ninjas of the year.

Tom O'Halloran, Bryson Klein, Alex Matthews, Rob Patterson

and the quickest of them all, Ashlin Herbert.

But next on course,

everybody's favourite tradie, Sam Goodall.

Can he overcome Ross River fever and the course?

I think if I put my mind to it,

I'll be able to push the body further than it wants to go.

Tonight, I am just really pumped to go in and hit a buzzer.

(EPIC MUSIC)

Welcome back to Ninja Island, where we've just passed

the halfway point of Stage Two of the Grand Final.

Over the break, three more ninjas tried to become the first to complete

all eight obstacles and qualify for stage three.

South Australian cancer survivor Nathan Ryles

got the Spider Jump all wrong.

BEN AND BEC: Oh, no!

Our ninjas just throwing themselves at this course tonight.

Surprise package Jack Gooch

nearly saved the best until last. Yes - oh!

The third one! The Gooch is out. The man that came from nowhere

has swept a massive storm through Ninja Island.

And Fred Dorrington,

last year's furthest, fastest ninja down and out on the Salmon Ladder.

Four rungs. That is one.

That is two. Oh!

Next on course is a ninja who never says die.

It's been a tough road for Sam Goodall.

He's battling Ross River virus

and last night, just scraped into Stage Two by one second.

He's built his own Mount Midoriyama in his backyard and tonight,

wants to conquer it right here, right now.

It is Sam Goodall.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

I've put a lot into Ninja this season.

I've built a lot of obstacles at home.

I built Mount Midoriyama.

So, tonight, I am just really pumped to go in and hit a buzzer.

But I am concerned that my health is going to be a problem.

This Ross River virus has just really smashed me.

My Stage One run last night,

that was a real tough one on the body.

Can he press the buzzer?

Three, two, one.

Even though I'm not feeling as strong,

I think if I put my mind to it, I'll be able to push

the body further than it wants to go and we can get through that 2:45.

That time limit is going to be tough to beat

but it's time to declare war on the clock.

Here he is - everyone's favourite tradie, Sam Goodall,

returning to the Grand Final of Ninja Warrior.

Can he get that hi-vis to the top of Mount Midoriyama?

Blowing kisses for daddy. Mwah. They're his good luck kisses.

Brother-in-law Zed has joined Rachel and baby Abby on the sideline.

Like the rest of us, they'll be hoping Sam

can really find something special tonight.

Here we go, 2:45 on the clock and the tradie ninja,

in the hi-vis, launches himself towards these poles and,

as quick as he's up there, he's off.

Sam Goodall, he's one of the good guys

but he's had anything but the perfect preparation,

doing this course tonight suffering Ross River fever.

That means that your energy is sapped.

Fatigue, sore joints - you name it, he's got it.

At the moment, he's doing well, though.

He's just knocked over obstacle number two.

Now comes the Spider Jump...

And we've seen the trouble this has already caused.

Where he's getting this strength from

to get to the Grand Final Stage Two,

I don't know how he's done it. You're doing well, come on!

Keep going! There's Zed, shouting encouragement.

It's looking tough for Sam, though. He's struggling at the moment.

He's chewing through time.

Nearly there, come on.

So close, babe. So close.

Just labouring his way through the wall.

Needs to get off as fast as he can. He's done it.

It's cost him over 30 seconds. 1:35 still on the clock.

Oh, Sam Goodall, this is an incredible effort.

If you want to know about guts

and determination from one of our ninjas...

Whoa. He almost slipped off, then.

Give it your all, come on! In fact, it looks like

he's in some trouble.

Sam Goodall, I think he's struggling here.

Sam, are you alright?

Have a rest, honey.

I'm not quite sure what's going on. He's buckling at his knees.

Just looks absolutely shattered. Desperate to carry on.

People saying, Sam, give it a rest, your health is more important.

Darling, you won't be able to do it. Darling. Just have a rest.

If he's extremely fatigued, I don't think he can go on.

This is such an upsetting way for Sam Goodall to finish season two

on Australian Ninja Warrior.

It's alright, darling.

(APPLAUSE)

Rachel, his wife, is extremely concerned about him on the sideline.

Oh, mate. It's alright, darling.

It's hard, this course, even without illness.

What a brave effort from this fella.

Go, daddy. Go, daddy.

You know, we talk about inspirational characters.

How inspiring is this bloke?

Oh, this is heart-breaking.

We never want to see any ninjas go out in this way.

What we might do now is take a break

and come right back to see how Sam is.

(APPLAUSE)

(EPIC MUSIC)

Welcome back to Stage Two of the Grand Final

here on Ninja Island.

Just before the break, we saw Sam Goodall's run

come to a heart-breaking end and Freddie's down there right now

for the latest.

Sam, everyone here is really concerned about you.

How are you feeling, mate?

Yeah, I'm fine, just my legs aren't.

I know you've suffered from Ross River fever.

Do you think that's just caught up with you a little bit?

I've been pushing hard for a few days now

and it has been a bit rough, yeah, it's catching up with me,

so I guess that's just life.

Mate, such a brave effort you put on all the way through the competition.

The missus is worried about you more than anyone.

You've gotta be so proud of him.

Oh, I am. I'm so proud. I just, yeah, don't know how he's done this.

He's pushed himself so hard and he's done really, really well.

So proud. Couldn't be any prouder.

You get him home and look after him

because we want this little fella back next year.

He will, he'll be back. Ladies and gentlemen, Sam Goodall!

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

He really is the toughest tradie around.

Best wishes for a speedy recovery

and let's hope we see Sam on season three here on Ninja Island.

But now, Ben, there is still

unfinished business with Mount Midoriyama.

We have our five fastest ninjas

from season two yet to launch their assaults.

There's the quickest of them all, Ashlin Herbert.

The Mo, Alex Matthews.

Robot warrior, Rob Patterson.

And boy wonder, Bryson Klein feeling the nerves.

I'm always nervous but nerves help me perform.

If I wasn't nervous,

I wouldn't be able to give it my best

and I intend to give it my best.

And now on course, the fifth-fastest qualifier form Stage One

in the Grand Final, Blue Mountains rock climber Tom O'Halloran.

He was runner-up last year

and Tom has been strong throughout season two as well.

Can he be the one to make it through Stage Two and onto Mount Midoriyama?

Yeah, reached the Grand Final, pretty rad to be back here.

Really psyched to get out there. It just looks totally awesome.

14 obstacles is going to be absolutely massive.

It's not going to give you a second to breathe and it will throw

curveballs at you that you didn't see coming.

You've got to be so well-rounded in every discipline.

It's cardio, it's strength, it's flexibility, technique.

It requires everything.

You know, my money's probably on Tom O'Halloran.

He's got what it takes. He's got energy to burn.

If I get underneath Mount Midoriyama holding that rope,

then I'm definitely in with a crack

to get my way up there. I'm not stopping.

Let's cheer him all the way to Mount Midoriyama - Tom O'Halloran.

Is this going to be the first man to press the buzzer on Stage Two

of the Grand Final? He's impressed so far in season two.

He impressed in season one.

Can he go all the way this time though?

That's what Tom's wife Amanda and daughter Audrey are hoping for.

There with Lee and Ben Cossey.

(START TONE) Tom O'Halloran.

One of the stars of the show.

Are we looking at the man who can scale Mount Midoriyama?

He's quick out of the blocks and onto those last poles

and he's already sorted out obstacle number one.

Here comes the Bar Hop. Up he goes.

He'll have no issue here, Bec.

He's used to doing all of this kind of stuff

that requires the upper-body strength with all that rock-climbing.

Looks like he's got a problem with his grip here, though.

It does. He'll work it out.

He's just stalling a little here on the Bar Hop.

But he's recovered some time

and dismounts in the same time as Alex Bigg.

He marches up to the Spider Jump and nails it.

Yeah, he won't have any issue there

when it comes to using his feet on sheer cliff faces.

And he did that so quickly. Now, the Wing Nuts.

Tom O'Halloran is setting a pretty good pace here

and I've got to say, a lot of our experts reckon

he's got what it takes to go all the way.

Well, just look at him - he's lean, he's strong and organised

in the way he moves through these obstacles, Ben.

Just slowing a little bit here on the transfer

to the third wing nut.

He makes it.

He is setting Ninja Island alight with this run.

Time is also looking good. He's got enough time to finish.

Four obstacles down, four to go, 1:30 on the clock.

Tom O'Halloran along the first rail.

Oh, no! It's gone off-centre.

Oh, Tom O'Halloran struggling here.

Oh, what is going on, Tom? Needs to straighten up.

This is costing him time.

Now he needs to transfer onto the next one.

Come on, Tom. He needs to get cracking.

The handlebar is just in a difficult spot

but he saves himself. (APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

Oh, look how he makes up for lost time!

Now he needs to come off and get to the Salmon Ladders

as fast as he can.

He keeps throwing himself forward in desperation

but every time he gets close to a dismount, he slides back again.

It's running down the clock.

He's going to have to dismount from there. Come on, Tom.

Get your swing on, brother. Can he dismount?

Pain all over his face.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

40 seconds left. Three obstacles to go.

All or nothing for Tom, now. He's got to go for it.

Here's the first rung - oh!

Tom O'Halloran, another strong ninja falling on the Salmon Ladder.

It was the Rail Runner that did the damage.

It was a disaster for Tom.

So, he did well to keep going but his upper-body was in bits.

Tom, you got further than last year. You've had a great season two,

but unfortunately that Salmon Ladder has again seen somebody else off.

Oh, man. Yeah, totally cooked on that bar jump.

Just couldn't get my groove

and didn't feel good at all and just wasted so much juice.

How hard is this course? Can you let us in on an insight?

Because we've seen so many ninjas struggle.

They get to the Salmon Ladder and there's nothing left.

Yeah, nothing left.

It's just non-stop on your arms

and you've just got to go, go, go. And so tough.

Ladies and gentlemen, Tom O'Halloran! You had fun, mate?

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

Well, we've had another shock here on Ninja Island - Tom O'Halloran.

Sadly, his mission is over.

That's the end of the Blue Mountains climbers

for season two, as well. They've been great this year

and they go away with plenty of credit.

Finishing is going to take something extraordinary tonight

and that's what our next ninja is all about.

He is the youngest Grand Finalist. His name is Bryson Klein.

This ninja knows no other way than fast.

Last night, he powered through Stage One of the Grand Final

in the fourth-fastest time.

To make it to Stage Two of the Grand Final feels incredible.

Everything is so much more intimidating.

The obstacles are incredibly difficult.

The time constraint is really scary.

He's young, he's gutsy, he's got no fear.

Look at him go!

Yeah, everything has to be perfect.

I have to be efficient and smooth and fast and strong.

Finding the balance between taking risks and saving time.

This is what I came for.

This night here is where I get to show everybody what I can do.

It's a dream come true.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

You get a sense now that everyone's expecting this young man

to be fast but also be good.

He's killed it in the heats,

killed it in the semis

and the Stage One of the Grand Final.

Whatever happens, this is going to be a quick run.

Bryson and his dad, Matt,

always joking around with each other.

He must be very proud of his son tonight,

as will be his sister, Tessa, and girlfriend, Marla.

Look at the run up as Bryson Klein launches himself

at the first obstacle... Whoa!

..the Pole Grasper but has trouble reaching out to pole number three.

But that's OK, he's off, he's done.

He is the new kid on the block

and this guy knows one thing and that is to go quick.

We saw it in the heats, we saw it in the semis,

in the Grand Final Stage One.

Doing exactly the same thing tonight,

absolutely no fear.

Australians love an underdog.

They love a youngster who is willing to take on

the more experienced operators and Bryson Klein

might just be the man. Whoa!

Look at him race through the Spider Jump!

Three down and he's the fastest by a mile with 2:03 remaining.

This kid is on fire.

Here he goes now, swinging his way onto the second wing nut.

Look at him go.

His time is cracking. The fastest yet.

He's absolutely ripping through this course.

Next up, the Rail Runner.

1:40 left on the clock, four obstacles.

He's got enough time,

he just needs to stay composed. Bryson Klein making mince meat

of the first Rail Rider.

This is the one that cruelled Tom O'Halloran's chances.

Bryson Klein doing fine. Come on, Bryson.

Yeah, Bryson!

He must be hurting at the moment

but his pace is not showing any signs of that.

He's going to go the dismount. He wants to get off the Rail Runner.

1:15 left on the clock. We said he was going to be fast.

It's case of if he can get to the end of the course.

He's got 1:10.

He's got to go up four rungs here on the Salmon Ladder.

Stand up in your lounge rooms, Australia,

and cheer this young hero on. This is absolutely amazing.

Digging deep, Bryson Klein. Changing his grip.

He's got the best shot that we've seen tonight

of someone completing this course. Now he's onto the Unstable Bridge.

Oh, look at him. He's thumping the first one.

The clock is good. He's got 45 seconds left.

He's so close.

He's within touching distance of the final obstacle

with lots of time left. I think he's going to do it, Bec.

Come on. He needs to get hands on the side -

oh! Bryson Klein, no!

He hits the water. He looked so close.

Inches away from the Wall Lift.

33 seconds left. He could have done it.

He's good but good tonight is not enough.

You've got to be exceptional. You can't make mistakes.

The course is unbelievably tough.

Heartbreak from Bryson Klein.

He had Stage Two in the bag.

But he rushed the second unstable bridge.

He was swinging for a big dismount

but pulled out at the last second and missed his grip.

He had plenty of time left but for the first time this season,

the pressure got to this talented 20-year-old.

Bryson, time was never going to be a factor with you.

Myself and everyone here thought you had it. Did you?

I thought I did, too, but yeah, pretty gassed, hey?

That wasn't supposed to happen.

I was meant to keep on going but, you know, the course got me.

But all the ninjas are talking backstage before they come on -

what's the chat back there?

What's everyone not looking forward to facing

on the course? That clock. Yeah.

Even you with the clock?

Because you just breeze through everything.

Yeah, it just adds pressure and makes it a whole different game.

You've just got to push harder

and sometimes you push a bit too hard and you don't have enough.

Amazing job. He's been a star this season. Bryson Klein!

Well done, mate.

And Freddie, here's how close he was to completing Stage Two.

We know from our testing that the final obstacle takes ten seconds.

So he was cruising until that slip and then it was all over.

Still to come, the season's three fastest ninjas.

History's there for the making.

Can Rob Patterson or Ashlin Herbert achieve it?

Or will it be the Mighty Mo, Alex Matthews?

Thinking I could be Australian Ninja Warrior

is still a bit of a pipedream. But you know, it's not impossible.

It's going to be bloody hard, though.

(EPIC MUSIC)

Welcome back to Ninja Island where, so far,

Mount Midoriyama remains unconquered.

But we're about to see the best of the best -

our three fastest ninjas.

Out of the warm-up area, the robot warrior, Robert Patterson.

He's been close to perfect this season

and he's ready for Stage Two.

Feeling good, feeling really good.

Relaxed in the mind but ready in the body.

He's coming up soon with a lot of expectation on his shoulders.

But next on course, the popular quiet-achiever

who never finished lower than 3rd in his heats,

semi final nor Grand Final Stage One last night.

Cool and composed,

can he be the first man to reach the mountain?

Glory awaits him tonight, so watch the Mo go!

It is Alex Matthews!

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

One of the favourites this year,

Alex 'The Mo' Matthews from Western Australia.

He's been to Stage Two of the Grand Final before.

Is this the night when Alex Matthews presses the buzzer

and has a crack at Mount Midoriyama?

We hope so. So does Alex's mum, Carleen

and his best mate, Ben, both in the 'Go the Mo' shirts tonight.

We know Alex has the skills to beat Stage Two.

It's just down to pressure and time.

(START TONE)

Here is the Mo, Alex Matthews.

With a serious look on his face and endless determination.

He finds himself a little bit delayed on the second pole,

no problem, corrects it. Marches through.

He's finished obstacle number one.

Make no mistake, he is the best of the best,

the third-fastest ninja of the season.

He could go all the way.

Onto the static bar now in the middle.

He needs to move that onto the final peg.

No issue there. The clock's looking OK.

This next obstacle, the Spider Jump, it's already brought some undone.

He hits the tramp.

Oh! Hangs on!

Oh, what a recovery!

He needed every ounce of his strength

and his core to stay stuck on that wall and he did it.

Alex having to work really hard here,

the Spider Jump sapping his energy.

And it's cost him some time.

Now he's 15 seconds slower than Bryson Klein to the Wing Nuts.

Bouncing onto the first, gripping tight.

He has to lache now onto the second of the wing nuts.

Safely on. Two-handed landing.

Gripping on for dear life.

Needs to get onto the third. The clock is racing.

Oh, he hangs it. Well done, Alex.

And now, as he turns the corner, the last four obstacles lie ahead.

He needs to pick up that pace.

Come on, mate!

1:15 on the clock. Go Alex!

Alex Matthews, he's churning and burning

his way across the first of the rails

and once he gets to the end of this, then he's got to transition.

You are absolutely stinging by this point.

Needs to lache across now onto the second of the bars.

Just under a minute now left on the clock.

Is time going to be a factor?

Makes the transfer but he's feeling that burn.

50 seconds on the clock.

He's got to put the pedal to the metal.

Three obstacles left. He's going to get off.

He doesn't want a bar of this obstacle anymore.

He's going for the big dismount and he lands it.

It is do or die for Alex Matthews

on the Salmon Ladder. 35 seconds.

He's got to go up four rungs.

One.

Two - oh! Oh, no!

Alex Matthews got up the first rung.

Bec, he just couldn't stick the second

and the Mighty Mo is in the pool.

Once again, the combined effects of fatigue and pressure

prove too much. Alex could see the end.

He had 35 seconds left at the Salmon Ladder

but like so many tonight, the Mighty Mo's arms gave out

before the clock did.

Alex, amazing effort.

Last year in the Stage Two Grand Final,

you got to the second obstacle. This time, you got a lot further.

Yeah, I had two goals tonight

and that was get through that first obstacle -

so that's done - and to fall off because I was tired,

not because I stuffed up. So, job done, yeah.

Can I touch it one last time? One last time, Freddie.

Amazing. Amazing.

Ladies and gentlemen, the Mo, Alex Matthews!

Great job, mate. Great to have you. Cheers.

Top man. Cheers, buddy.

Bowed but not broken.

A fantastic season from the West Australian firefighter

but sadly, it's time for the mo to go.

That was good. Ah, it was alright, yeah.

It was seven years in the US

before Mount Midoriyama was finally conquered

and we can certainly understand why

but our two fastest ninjas are still to run.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING) And up now, Rob Patterson.

He's finished fifth overall last year

but has stepped it up in season two

and he's constantly dominated the course,

finishing Stage One of the Grand Final

with the second-fastest time of the night.

Here he is, Rob Patterson!

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

Mount Midoriyama being only one or two stages away,

yeah, it's pretty motivating.

I got the buzzer in the heats...

He wants it. He's hungrier than ever before, Rob Patterson.

..buzzer in the semis... Yes, Rob Patterson!

Rob Patterson! Yes, yes, yes!

..buzzer in Stage One of the finals.

With 1:18 left on the clock!

Stage Two and three back to back, it's going be tough.

I'm pretty nervous. It's going to be pretty brutal.

I just really want to push myself as hard as I can.

Just the challenge of Mount Midoriyama on its own

is enough to get me there.

You've got an engineering student from Brisbane, Rob Patterson.

Although he only made it to the second obstacle

in the Grand Final, he still ranked fifth in season one.

His mission this time is to go further.

Good luck, Rob.

Rob's sister, Louise and girlfriend, Tamara,

ready for the fireworks.

(THUNDER RUMBLES) Well there's the lightning, anyway.

Eight obstacles, 2:45 -

can Rob Patterson do what no ninja has done tonight -

finish Stage Two?

Going by his CV, he is one of the very best.

But does he have the strength to stay this relentless course?

Don't go anywhere.

Rob Patterson is just beginning his assault on the Grand Final.

Straight up onto the second obstacle, the Bar Hop and he wastes no time.

He makes that first bar transfer very quickly, very smoothly.

The pace is lightning fast as always. He's neck and neck

with Bryson Klein at this stage.

Onto the last bar. He's down.

That is two obstacles done in 30 seconds.

Here's the Spider Jump.

He lands it well and he's moving through quickly, Bec. The clock

is liking this in a big way.

2:04 remaining and it's a flawless run so far.

The Wing Nuts, he's up onto the first of them.

Let's see how quickly he can move through these three.

He's onto the second. No problem with the landing.

The 22-year-old is flying through this course.

He is looking super-sharp.

When he makes the landing here,

he's got 1:43, just outside Bryson Klein's time

for the first half.

He's in with a great chance and now a big one - the Rail Runner.

Look at how quickly he's carving up that first rail!

Wow, this is incredible.

Grits his teeth, gets to the transfer point.

He's got to now lache over to the second rail

and he's got 1:24 on the clock. Come on, Rob Patterson.

All of Brisbane is cheering at the moment.

The whole country's cheering.

Will he be the first to make it through this stage?

He landed it. Here he is with the Salmon Ladder.

This is the evil Salmon Ladder. Four rungs he's got to go up.

He does one. Two.

Faster than Bryson, now.

Three. One more, Rob Patterson. Come on, you've got it within you.

He does. Here he goes. 57 seconds left on the clock.

Looking good. Just the Bridge

and the Wall Lift to go. The first bridge

has four chains attached. The second bridge, only three.

So this first one is a bit more stable

than the second one. 44 seconds left for Rob Patterson.

Come on, Rob. This is about

how much does he want this...

Oh!

He just didn't have enough at the very end. Rob Patterson,

one of the very best of the best, out on the penultimate obstacle.

We thought he was going to be the first to complete this stage

of the Grand Final course.

It wasn't to be but hats off, well done, Rob Patterson.

Rob had 40 seconds left on the Unstable Bridge.

He rushed the transfer, sadly, onto the second board

and missed his grip.

But, he's overtaken Bryson Klein

as the furthest, fastest of the night so far.

Rob, that was an incredible run.

You've got to be proud of the way you've gone this year on season two.

I'm very proud. I'm very happy that I made it

past all those stages.

That's a brutal obstacle. My grip was done.

And you're looking at the rest of the competitors in the field -

if you had to put your life on one of them

getting through this course, who would it be?

For sure 'Flashlin' Herbert.

There's no way anyone can beat him for time.

Top man. Ladies and gentlemen, a great effort from ninja Rob.

Well done, mate.

You heard it there from Rob Patterson -

Ashlin Herbert is the one to watch.

And guess what? He's up next.

The final ninja of season two.

What are we watching here?

The fastest of them all.

Oh, my word! Just eating up this course.

Come on, we've got to keep up.

The best of the best.

This guy is a freak. How does he do it?

Can Ashlin Herbert become the first Australian Ninja Warrior?

(EPIC MUSIC)

Welcome back to the Australian Ninja Warrior Grand Final.

We're all holding our breath for the last run of the series

and the final chance for one of our ninjas

to defeat Mount Midoriyama.

23 ninjas have come and gone.

None have been able to complete Stage Two in 2:45.

It's been a night full of shocks and surprises.

Oh, my goodness!

High pressure and high drama.

This is such an upsetting way for Sam Goodall to finish season two

on Australian Ninja Warrior.

New heroes have stepped up and made their mark.

Bryson Klein - this kid is on fire.

But it's one of our returnees, robot warrior Rob Patterson,

who's gone further and faster than anyone else.

Oh!

Hats off, well done, Rob Patterson.

One of the very best of the best.

It all comes down to this - the final ninja of season two.

He's been the fastest competitor all the way through.

The 23-year-old carpenter from Victoria

has blitzed every course in front of him.

Ranked number one, he's got the credentials.

Can he be the first and only ninja to triumph tonight?

Let's get behind him - Ashlin Herbert!

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

Stage One of the Grand Final was pretty good.

This is going to be the fastest time of the night.

Of course this is!

Incredible.

Ladies and gentlemen, I present Ashlin Herbert.

Ashlin, he's something else. He's not quite human, I don't think.

The guy's an absolute animal on course

and he just makes it look so easy, it's embarrassing.

Yeah, I want to conquer the course. That'd be awesome to do.

Get up the top of that rope.

That'd be an awesome feeling.

The person that is the first Australian Ninja Warrior

is going to be just this massively awesome hero.

They have everything in their toolbox.

And I reckon he could totally crush it.

He will blitz the course.

We'll have to see.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

Is this the first man to hit the buzzer?

Ashlin Herbert, the 23-year-old carpenter.

In the heats, we could barely keep up with him.

In the semis, he was even quicker.

Grand Final Stage One, even faster. This lad has got talent.

We know he's good, we know he's fast

but he's going to have to have something extra special tonight.

There's his mum and girlfriend backing him all the way.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

(START TONE) Come on, Ashy!

Ashlin Herbert is the best ninja in this competition this year.

If anyone can finish this course, this is the man.

2:45 to complete eight obstacles. He's on number two, the Bar Hop.

Makes the transfer and now he moves across the stationary bars.

He's got one more. Does so and now the dismount.

His time is pretty good, six seconds faster than Rob Patterson.

A man of few words but that's a good thing.

He doesn't need to talk tonight. He just needs to do.

And you know what? He's doing.

Yeah, few words but lots of talent.

Lots of energy.

Whoa! And Ashlin Herbert slipping

and sliding a little bit on the Spider.

Struggling in the Spider Jump. Haven't seen this before.

Really having to dig deep to push through

and he's using so much energy just to stay alive.

Through obstacle three.

He's lost some time but he's still in the hunt.

He's up and away on the Wing Nuts.

The first one.

Swinging side to side

to get the momentum to transfer to number two.

He sticks it... Makes it...

No, he doesn't!

Ashlin Herbert bombs out.

The best competitor in the field tonight

out on the fourth obstacle.

Oh, boy, oh, boy.

That is a stunning upset.

Wow. It started going wrong in the Spider Jump.

Ashlin had lost a lot of time.

He was pushing hard on the Wing Nuts

to try and claw some of that time back.

Unfortunately, he rushed the transfer.

His hands were in the wrong place. He could not adjust in time.

Can you believe it? The course wins again in season two.

Ashlin, come here, mate.

The fro's got wet, the fro's flat.

Was that a different tactic tonight?

I've never seen you go as slow as that.

Was it really deliberate?

Ah, I used a bit of energy on that,

it was a bit wet but what can you do?

Were there any nerves tonight? More than usual?

Nah, not really, just tried to get through it.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

Ladies and gentlemen, Ashlin Herbert! Unlucky.

A man of few words as always

but after being a country mile ahead of the field all season,

Ashlin made his first and only mistake.

As we know, it only takes one.

Well, that's it for our Grand Final and our series.

If you thought our first year was phenomenal,

season two of Ninja Warrior has just gone next level.

We started this year with more than 300 ninjas

and, in the end, it was the brilliant 24

who managed to go further than all of them.

So, for the last time tonight and this series,

let's check our Grand Final leaderboard

and see who went the furthest and fastest for 2018.

There it is - Rob Patterson, the robot warrior,

is the furthest and fastest ninja for season two,

getting closer than anyone else to breaking the curse of Stage Two.

What a breakout year it's been for 20-year-old Bryson Klein.

He finishes second and is sure to be one to watch in the future.

Congratulations, Alex Bigg, in third.

Boxer Cody Philp after him.

Jayden Irving did well and then over the page,

Fred Dorrington, Jack Gooch, Ben Polson,

Tom O'Halloran, Alex Matthews.

And so, the performance of the night

and the Grand Final belongs to the robot warrior,

Rob Patterson. Cool, calm and collected.

So close to completing Stage Two.

It's been a huge effort from all our ninjas tonight, Bec and Ben,

and what a thrilling series it's been.

It's been an absolute cracker, Freddie, you've got that right.

And you know what? Mount Midoriyama is still up there,

untouched and that means the title

of the first ever Australian Ninja Warrior

is still up for grabs

and the prize money jackpots to $300,000 next season.

But the honour of the furthest and fastest for 2018

goes to Rob Patterson.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

Well done, mate. Well done, Rob.

Well done, brother.

We've got a special medal for you.

That means you are the very best of the best for 2018.

How does that make you feel?

I mean, the pressure's on for next year, then.

A bunch of talented athletes,

they'll all try to take it from me, I reckon.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING CONTINUES)

And can we just say, to all of the ninjas,

to the friends and family, everyone who came here to see us

on Ninja Island, thank you and we can't wait for next year.

From Ninja Island, for the last time in 2018, it's goodnight.

Goodnight, Australia.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

(EPIC MUSIC)