Original subtitles

Welcome to the brand-new season of Australian Ninja Warrior.

I'm Ben Fordham.

I'm Freddie Flintoff. And I'm Rebecca Maddern.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

Season three is well and truly underway,

and from the thousands of athletes that have applied,

only the very best have made it into the heats.

Last week, Australian Ninja Warrior returned.

(LAUGHS) How good was that?

A new home in Melbourne saw our Ninjas take on a brutal new course,

battling unforgiving new obstacles.

What a mistake that was. He was going so well!

Newcomers delivered, like Ninja Poet Alex Cusack...

He's up that Warped Wall!

..and our shortest male competitor, The Ginger Ninja.

Yes, Tom!

While some returning favourites struggled...

Oh, no! Oh, wow! That is a real shock.

..others showed why they're still the ones to beat.

He's done it! How good was that?

But towering above them all, the Mega Warped Wall.

Only two have conquered it.

Next stop, Mount Midoriyama.

Tonight, it's the toughest heat yet,

and some of the biggest names in Ninja return

for another shot at glory...

I am the Deadly Ninja, and I'm bringing it home.

..and another page in the history books.

Yes! Oh, my goodness!

Plus, exciting new Ninjas, like Tamworth cowboy Phillip Forbes.

Boy from the bush, and I'm here to show you how it's done.

..Olympic medallist, John Steffensen...

I think Australia would know me

mainly for being a runner that spoke his mind.

..and a new Ninja everyone's talking about.

Cam D'Silva. Cam D'Silva.

Cam D'Silva is definitely one to watch.

Only 18 can make it to the semifinals

and take a shot at becoming the first winner

of Australian Ninja Warrior.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

(EXCITING MUSIC)

Over 200 Ninjas are battling their way through our five heats,

pitting themselves against the world's biggest

and toughest obstacle course.

That's right, Freddie, and to earn a shot at scaling Mount Midoriyama,

our Ninjas must ultimately conquer 35 obstacles.

And tonight in the heats, they will face the first six.

They are sure to test our Ninjas.

But there are two in particular that could really trip them up.

The Swing Surfer -

that took out almost half of our Ninjas on night one.

Strong female Sheena Steinert fell victim to it,

and for the third year in a row, she came off on obstacle two.

And have a look, Ben. The Spinball Wizard.

That obstacle is ruthless.

It took out one of our best returning females, Celeste Dixon.

But it's that double Warped Wall decision

that always has me excited.

Do you play it safe and go up the regular Warped Wall?

Or do you risk it for the biscuit

and shoot for that $5,000 at the top of the Mega Warped Wall,

standing at 5.2m?

It's a cold night here in Melbourne,

but we're about to set this course alight.

So, without further ado,

let's bring out our first competitor.

Get ready, one of our favourites is back.

31-year-old Adelaide engineer who's making his second Ninja appearance.

It's the return of The Furbinator, also known as...

Stewart Furze. Stewart Furze!

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

Last year was very nerve-racking,

especially the first time stepping onto the podium.

Here he is, our lightest male Ninja.

58kg.

I was a bit of an underdog.

No-one really took me seriously until I ended up in the grand final.

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

And even probably surprised myself a fair bit.

The legend that is The Furbinator!

Anything can happen when you hit the course.

You know, there's a small amount of luck that is involved.

You definitely have to make sure that you've trained.

Your balance, your agility,

your grip and all of that has to be on point.

If you don't have all of that on point, you're coming off.

I'm looking to go another step further this year

and take home that title of Australia's first Ninja Warrior.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

The T-shirt says it all. Yes, it's The Furbinator.

Who could forget this fella from last year?

Stewart Furze turned up the biggest misdirection in history.

No-one gave him a chance. He's surrounded by all these big lads,

all pushing weights in gym.

This little fella turns up, grand final.

This year, he's going further. You've heard it first.

The Furbinator is winning this competition.

Oh, I like your confidence, Freddie Flintoff.

CROWD: Let's go, Stew, let's go!

Partner Ashanti and his sister and mum on the sideline there.

Here we go. It's the South Australian, The Furbinator.

You've got this!

Furbi's a great example

that the Ninja Warrior course does not discriminate.

Heavy or light, male or female -

if you're good enough, you'll do well here.

(APPLAUSE)

Come on, Furbinator. Swing Surfer time.

You may remember, 17 Ninjas fell victim to this night one.

Come on, Stewart!

Here we go, a bounce on the trampoline.

Yes, he's got the distance. What a smooth landing.

He's got to get off quick, before it stops swinging.

And he's done it.

He was a real surprise packet in season two.

Came 15th overall.

So you are looking at one of our very best.

Come on, Stewart. On the Tuning Forks.

You'd imagine his weight will play well on this one.

And he nails it...

Well, no, he doesn't. Oh, no!

Gutted. Gutted!

Oh. Poor little fella.

It may not be obvious at home,

but the Tuning Forks aren't in a straight line.

What that means is that Furbi had to cross over himself

on the middle fork,

but you can see he misses his step with his left foot.

From there, he wasn't able to recover his balance.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

Furbinator, I'm gutted. How are you feeling?

I'm feeling the same as you. Gutted.

Unfortunately I thought I had that,

but just a slip of the foot, and I felt my shin go.

I thought I had the edge of that thing,

but, nah, it was all over after that.

I'm gutted for you. Ladies and gentlemen, The Furbinator!

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

Well, well, well! What a shock.

One of our very top Ninjas with an early fall.

He faces a nervous wait

to see if he's done enough to make it to the top 18.

Yeah, Bec, tonight's heat is tough,

with both new and returning competitors.

Let's check who Freddie's catching up with in the warm-up area.

Just over here is one of the superstars

of series one and series two,

the Deadly Ninja, Jack Wilson.

Come on, Jack, get down there a second. Let's have a chat.

Hey. Take 'em out.

How are you? You alright? Freddie!

Jack, you're back for a third time.

Is this the year we're gonna see it,

you at the top of Mount Midoriyama?

Brother, uh, back for season three.

We mean business this year.

I mean, Australia wants a winner.

You know, we're gonna make it happen.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

This guy means business.

Desperate to get to the top of Mount Midoriyama.

Let's see how he does.

Thank you, Freddie. Can't wait for Jack.

But first, we've got a brand-new female competitor,

and she is set to fly through this course.

Hi, my name's Katie Sparrow.

I'm 26 years old.

I'm from Manly, and I'm a personal trainer.

My love of fitness, I've kind of had that my whole life.

(LAUGHS)

I guess growing up in New Zealand, it's a very outdoorsy country.

We used to be very active - mountain climbing,

doing kind of water sports, rock climbing.

I absolutely love physical challenges.

But one of my most interesting hobbies

would probably be that I do beatboxing.

(BEATBOXES)

My brother and his friends used to do it, so I kind of copied off them

and ended up being alright.

(BEATBOXES)

So, yeah. I'm not gonna let the course beat me,

but I'm gonna bring the beats. (APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

OK, here she comes. Katie Sparrow.

169cm tall,

weighing 61kg.

She looks like a real contender.

CROWD: Let's go, Katie, let's go!

BEN: Let's go, Katie.

Here she goes, starting on the course.

Katie Sparrow is an all-rounder.

She acts, sings, does stunts.

And we know she's a beatboxer.

Interesting technique.

She's positioning herself right at the top of these steps.

Might seem like a good idea,

but she's actually making that jump further for herself.

Well, you might be right there, Ben,

but it really does seem to be working for her.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING) And she is relieved.

One down, and five more obstacles to go.

Maximum effort!

Now, the Swing Surfer.

She looks a little cautious at the moment.

Well, it is a big 3m jump from the trampoline to that platform, Ben.

Lots of speed! Lots of speed, mate.

Oh, yes. Great technique.

Yeah, it was good technique. MAN: Go, go, go, go!

She's just gonna wait to make sure she times the exit.

Ooh, she's very scared about getting off.

WOMAN: Take your time!

This is very interesting to watch.

Yeah, because how do you get the momentum happening on this thing?

I don't know.

(CROWD CHEERING)

I've never seen anything like this in my life before.

Just take your time, Katie, take your time!

No, no, no! Her family are telling her to take her time,

but that is the last thing you want to do on this obstacle.

It stops.

CROWD: Swing! Swing! Swing! Swing! Swing! Swing!

You can do it! You can do this!

Oh, this is an awful predicament to find yourself in.

Oh, dear.

I think we're at the point of saying...

No!

..that Katie Sparrow is in no man's land.

This obstacle is now at a dead standstill.

Someone get the fire brigade here. Someone's stuck.

She's gonna have to just make a jump for it.

That's the only thing to do at this point.

But there's no momentum.

And Katie will need to launch herself 3m over the pool to that platform.

Come on, Katie!

(ALL GROAN)

It's the only thing she could do, but we knew it would end like that!

Oh, dear me.

Thankfully, this sparrow can swim,

and she lives to see another day.

Katie Sparrow. She provided a lot of entertainment.

Jeez, can we just give her a medal for that?

Great effort! Great effort!

Great effort, but bad luck, Katie.

And up next, we have a genuine Aussie cowboy.

Where do you think an Aussie cowboy's gonna come from?

Queensland. Tamworth.

Um, Phillip Forbes.

Um, I live in Tamworth. I'm 40.

Worked on cattle stations all my life.

(UPBEAT COUNTRY MUSIC)

I was born and bred a cowboy, so, don't worry about nothing, really.

Except spiders. Spiders scare the crap out of me. So, yeah.

For me, the prize money means getting my own property

and running my own horses and cattle.

Just want to test myself

and prove that the country people are just as tough as anyone else.

So... Yeah.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING) Howdy doody!

Here we go. We've got a real-life cowboy on the start grid.

His partner Bec and gorgeous children are cheering on Dad.

He's not gonna wear the hat on the course, surely?

I have a feeling this cowboy is.

Whoa, whoa, what? Are you gonna keep the hat on?

I think that's dangerous, but them ears might keep it down.

I hope it stays on, Freddie.

If it falls off and falls into the pool and hits the water,

he will be disqualified.

CROWD: Cowboy! Cowboy! Cowboy!

(TIMER BEEPS)

Phillip Forbes is on his way, with his hat.

(CROWD CHEERING)

Look at him attacking the course.

He's got jeans on as well. He's got ripped jeans.

He looks like he's come straight from work.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

The cowboy from Tamworth

who trains by climbing windmills on the property.

(LAUGHS) I do love the shots of him going up the windmill.

Cowboy! Cowboy! Cowboy!

Crowd favourite already. Bounces...

Oh, whoa, whoa!

That's a great effort! Look at the balance on that fella!

This cowboy is showing his stuff!

He's got some of that outback skill,

that ability to adapt to different circumstances

and just get on with the job. No nonsense.

Faced with the Tuning Forks.

He's fast feet on this. There he goes.

(ALL GROAN)

Oh, mate! Unlucky. What an effort, though.

Wonder if his hat's still on now.

It is! His hat's still on! He's still got his hat on!

Sadly, the cowboy is off the horse.

It was a great effort from Phillip,

but he made the same mistake as Stewart Furze.

Watch as he misjudges the fourth prong,

and he just can't recover the balance.

And from there, it was a bucking bronco to the end.

Once again, the first few stages of the course are proving really tough.

But still to come,

will these heavyweights that represented Australia

on American Ninja Warrior

be able to break the course?

MAN: Olivia Vivian. Ben Polson.

This is Jack Wilson.

He's got it!

They are coming up.

And the most inspirational Ninja from last series.

And he's leaping 1.5m on one leg.

Mark Daniels is back to stake his claim.

MARK OLIVE: I'm here representing every person with a disability,

and I'm here for every person who's been told they can't do something.

Plus some newcomers with some mind-blowing skills

make their debut,

like AFL royalty Brent Staker.

BRENT: Australia will remember me

for the infamous moment in my sporting career,

and that was a punch to the head from Barry Hall.

You know, as I said, if I could take it back, I certainly would.

I've dusted off my footy boots,

and I'm ready to take on this Ninja Warrior course.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

(THEME MUSIC)

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

Welcome back to the all-new star-studded season

of Australian Ninja Warrior.

And speaking of star-studded,

we've got a celebrity challenger coming up right now, Bec.

Well, we need to get loud.

Put your hands together for this former AFL star

who played 160 games

for the West Coast Eagles and the Brisbane Lions.

Making his Ninja debut, it is Brent Staker.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

FREDDIE: Oh, he's taking his top off.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

The AFL guernsey comes off,

and we get a good look at just how fit Brent Staker is.

Everyone expects him to do well. I hope he does.

Come on, mate!

There's his mate, Muggsy, and girlfriend Elise on the sideline.

(TIMER BEEPS)

Here he goes. Brent Staker, onto the Floating Steps.

How is he gonna go, Bec?

Well, we had Brownlow medallist Adam Cooney in series one,

and he came off on obstacle three - still dirty about that.

So if Brent gets past that,

he's gonna score bragging rights amongst the AFL community.

Well done, mate!

And now this big lad approaches the Swing Surfer.

He weighs in at over 100kg.

There's a lot of weight to propel out to that platform.

Jump forward, jump forward!

That's a good jump.

Oh, oh, oh! Oh!

Great leap, but fell backwards! Oh, spewin'!

He had enough momentum to get there,

but you can see his landing was awkward.

Both feet were together,

so he just couldn't reach out and grab a hold of that pole.

Well, Brent Staker won't be walking away tonight with bragging rights.

No, they are still with Adam Cooney.

Really surprised by that, Ben.

This course does not discriminate,

and there's no better example of that than our next competitor.

This Ninja was with us last season, taking to the course on one leg.

He is back. It is the incredible Mark Daniels.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

This is my second chance running the Ninja Warrior course.

I feel last season I didn't reach my potential. I came off early.

Bridge of Blades. One, two...

Oh! So close!

This year I'm coming back for Ninja Warrior bigger and better.

I've trained really hard for 12 months,

I've achieved a lot of milestones, but physically, it's taken its toll.

Four months ago, training, I actually snapped my right femur.

It was a pretty big setback.

I was back in a wheelchair for about two months.

But I still trained.

As long as I was doing upper body and not relying on my legs,

it was alright.

It's been a lot of hard work to be able to get here.

I'm hoping all that training tonight is really gonna make the difference.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

Here he is. Mark Daniels is back.

Remember this guy in season two.

Lost his leg in a motorbike accident,

but he still comes here and tries to conquer the Ninja Warrior course.

This lad is impressive.

This lad has got guts. This lad's got determination.

Hopefully he'll go further tonight.

He has been a very busy boy last year,

competing in the Invictus Games.

Let's go, Mark! Let's go!

Gold and a bronze. Gold in rugby,

and a bronze for four-minute indoor rowing.

CROWD: Let's go, Mark, let's go! (TIMER BEEPS)

Imagine taking this on with just one leg.

And can I remind everyone, it's a 1.7m leap.

His one leg is doing the job of two.

And not only does he have to push off on that leg,

he also has to land on it.

What about this bloke, Mark Daniels?

Came in season two.

Everyone was amazed at how he could do this.

And he's amazing the crowd again,

and I'm sure he's amazing you guys at home, too.

Just stop and take a moment and look at what this guy is doing.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

Now the Swing Surfer.

How is he possibly gonna do this?

We've already seen how difficult it is.

It's gonna be really tough.

(CROWD CHANTING) Come on, Mark!

The Swing Surfer... Oh, he's on!

Oh, my goodness! Mark Daniels has landed on the board.

Unbelievable! I don't mean to sound surprised,

but honestly, I mean, how did he do that?

He's hit the trampoline with one leg

and managed to crash tackle his way onto that board.

Off he goes. And now he's on!

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING) Come on, Marky boy.

He's absolutely ripping and tearing at this Ninja Warrior course.

And the crowd is on its feet, loving every moment of it.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

How on earth is he gonna get through the Tuning Forks?

(CROWD CHEERING)

Look what he's done there.

The technique is one of necessity.

This is the only way that he can do it, and it works.

Come on, Mark.

This is just such a nasty obstacle.

Those forks move, and they're 1m apart.

This is all about creativity and flexibility

and working within the parameters that he's got.

And he's used to doing that, Mark Daniels.

Go on, mate. Go on, go on.

And he's onto the second fork.

Come on! Oh, my goodness.

No-one has completed the Tuning Forks tonight.

You're right, Bec, and Mark Daniels is now halfway through it.

If he gets through this, the next obstacle is all upper body,

and we know that Mark will be able to fly through that one.

He's got a big leap here.

Yes, Mark! (CHUCKLES) Nails it!

This is unbelievable, what you are watching,

what you are seeing is strength, is guts and determination

like you've never, ever seen before.

He is a powerhouse.

Look at him getting himself up.

And he's done it... Oh!

(ALL GROAN)

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

Take your hat off to Mark Daniels.

We've just witnessed an amazing effort from Mark Daniels,

and no matter where you're watching around Australia,

I'm sure you'll agree,

that is one of the best efforts we've seen this year

on Australian Ninja Warrior.

Absolutely. He is incredible. Over to you, Freddie.

Mark, that was unbelievable.

We thought you just about got through,

but just falling off at the end.

I thought I got through, but, yeah.

Course this year is a hell of a lot tougher than last season.

And I trained for 12 months,

so it's a bit disappointing to come off where I did,

but thank you again for the opportunity.

That's amazing. We'll have you back every time.

I just don't know, how on earth did you get through the Surf Swing?

It was one of the most amazing things I've ever seen.

Talk us through it.

Uh, I wasn't actually... Yeah, OK, that hurt. (LAUGHS)

Yeah, I wasn't actually sure I was gonna stick that landing,

but basically, it was, yeah, just all heart.

Threw myself as far as I could. (CROWD CHEERING)

And then, yeah, get to the other side.

I thought I was gonna run out of time, so I threw myself.

Yeah, that was just all heart. It's everything I had.

Mate, you've been absolutely amazing. Inspired all of us.

Congratulations on the Invictus games as well.

Mate, you're a champion. You better take that back as well.

Mate, I hope we see you again. Top man.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING) No doubt about it.

We're just getting warmed up.

Still to come, there's a new Ninja from Perth

that everyone has their eye on.

Cam D'Silva. He is an amazing athlete.

He's probably gonna be one of the shortest,

but he is certainly one to look out for.

CAM: Everything I do, I prove people wrong.

Plus skeleton racer Mel Armstrong is back,

and she has her sights set on one thing.

MEL: My legs have always been strong and explosive,

so the wall absolutely won't be a problem.

And after the break, she calls herself an Aqua Duck.

People think that aqua aerobics is just for old people.

(SCOFFS) That is such a joke. (GIGGLES)

FREDDIE: I'm on the sidelines with the Aqua Ducks.

(CROWD CHEERING)

And they're here to support their teacher, Trudie Horskins.

How do you think she's gonna go, Trudie?

Oh, she'll kill it. She'll kill it!

Well, you've heard it first. Trudie is gonna kill it.

Find out how she goes after this break.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

(THEME MUSIC)

Welcome back to Australian Ninja Warrior,

and I've got out of the tower for a very special woman.

It is Olivia Vivian, the superstar of season two,

who, remember, did the backflip up the Warped Wall.

How extraordinary. What have you got planned this season?

I tell you, Bec, not much will top that one.

But I do have something different planned.

But that Mega Wall really sort of shook my brain,

so we'll see when I get there.

OK. How are you feeling tonight?

This course is tough, according to the other Ninjas.

Absolutely. It's always a tough course.

I think, you know, the fact we haven't trained it or seen it

or tried it before makes it tough, but I'm gonna be honest,

the cold is my trickiest obstacle right now.

It is a little chilly in Melbourne,

and some other Ninjas are finding that a little tricky.

There's plenty of Ninjas running on the course tonight.

We better get back there. But good luck to you, Olivia Vivian.

You'll be up very shortly. Thanks, Bec.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

BEN: Well, Australia can't wait to see Olivia take to the course again,

but warming up right now,

another strong female competitor, Trudie Horskins.

You need me on the next Ninja Warrior

because there is no aqua Ninjas out there.

People think that aqua aerobics is just for old people.

(SCOFFS) That is such a joke. (GIGGLES)

Our classes are off the hook. (ALL CHEERING)

They so forget about what they're doing in the water.

Before they realised they were losing their bingo arms,

they were gone. (LAUGHS)

I have brought with me the Aqua Ducks.

Quack, quack, quack! Quack, quack! Quack, quack!

They lose it in the pool,

and they are gonna lose it in the crowd tonight.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

I am here to be on top of the water, and get on top of that Warped Wall.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

(WOMEN QUACKING)

FREDDIE: Tell you what, I'm down here with the Aqua Ducks,

and they're going absolutely bonkers.

They're getting right behind their girl, Trudie Horskins.

She gonna do well? She's gonna smash it.

(TIMER BEEPS)

So, we've just seen Trudie switch from having fun to serious.

Something just clicked in her brain just then, I reckon.

Well, aqua aerobics is serious training.

She'll have good balance and strength and stamina.

Yes!

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

So, the next challenge, the Swing Surfer,

is going to be a big one.

She goes on to the Surf Swinger.

Needs to get a big leap towards the pole.

Yes! She's through!

The crowd goes wild for Trudie.

Now just needs a safe dismount onto the platform.

Oh, it's a little bit messy, but she's still in!

And this Aqua Duck is looking focused.

How's she going? How's she going? Going well?

She's doing bloody good!

Bloody good! She's doing bloody good!

(CHUCKLES) The Tuning Forks.

No-one's managed to get through this obstacle yet tonight.

CROWD: Trudie! Trudie! Trudie!

Oh, she's just danced through them!

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

Look at this incredible athlete.

Now, this is the kind of performance that we've all come here to witness.

CROWD: Trudie! Trudie! Trudie!

BEN: And she's having fun while she does it, too.

And she's got a really great body for this competition,

and her upper body should bode well here,

all from that aqua aerobics training.

This is all about upper body strength.

Look at her go. She's pushing and shoving and willing herself on.

And she's getting a lot of power from the legs as well,

she's moving them in time with the upper body.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING) And she's through!

She's through, alright. Now the Spinball Wizard.

Trudie's 59kg,

so she's really gonna have to throw herself into the tramp

to get enough height. WOMAN: Go, Trudie!

(BLOWS BIRD CALLER)

This is the most challenging obstacle on this course tonight.

It took out 11 of our strongest competitors on night one.

There she goes. Oh, no, no, no!

She missed the handles. She is in the pool,

probably where she feels more comfortable,

but that was a great effort.

Trudie! Trudie! Oh, you're alright. Here's a noodle.

Safety first.

(CHUCKLES) Trudie was the first one through the Tuning Forks tonight.

Check out that footwork.

At the Spinball Wizard,

she just doesn't throw herself hard enough into the tramp

to get the height.

But we all know it's Furthest Fastest,

and after that spectacular performance from our Aqua Duck,

she's on top of the leaderboard,

in front of Stewart Furze,

cowboy Phillip Forbes,

and with the incredible Mark Daniels coming fourth,

that leaves AFL star Brent Staker in fifth.

This course has challenged even our most elite athletes.

No-one has even made it to the Warped Walls tonight.

But up next, we have got competitive gymnast

and last season's grand finalist -

it's Jordan Papandrea.

Post-season two Ninja Warrior, I did have a bit of a setback,

breaking my leg in my first competition of the year

for gymnastics.

I had to get six pins and a plate put in,

and now I'm not 100%.

There's still a lot of things I can't do,

but at the same time, I need to put trust into my legs.

So, coming to support me will be my dad...

We'll be there on the sideline, mate. Yeah, we're so proud of you.

My dad's a very proud, proud dad.

And he likes to claim that everything I've done

is because he's taught me.

You've got the determination there, mate.

He hasn't taught me any gymnastics,

but he loves just to say, you know, "Just do what I taught you."

(LAUGHS) A very Dad thing to do.

Ninja Warrior dad.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

Let's go, Jordan, let's go!

Oh, and that is proud dad Len on the sideline

with Jordan's mate Brody.

(TIMER BEEPS)

BEN: Now, how's Jordan's leg going to handle this?

It's still in recovery stage at the moment.

Well, I know it's early, but you wouldn't know he had a setback.

His technique - perfect.

You know what to do, mate.

BEN: Swing Surfer. This gymnast is no stranger to the tramp.

Oh! Oh, look at the leap!

He nearly jumped out the frame, there. You see that?

The height he got. Come on, mate.

BEN: Oh, and the forward roll!

Look at that leap and the somersault!

What other tricks has he got in his bag?

He is now planning out his footwork on the Tuning Forks.

CROWD: Jordan! Jordan! Jordan

BEN: The Tuning Forks are tuned. Yes.

His leg held up, Bec,

and in the next two obstacles, it's all upper body.

Well, that's good news. Look how his arms are so bent.

In complete control.

Oh, my word. He's killing the course.

Breaking a land speed record.

Go! Just the dismount now.

Oh, the crowd is up on their feet

watching Jordan Papandrea do something really special.

Take your time, mate! Keep them straight!

He has reached the Spinball Wizard in under a minute.

Flying through the course so far.

You'd imagine his gymnastic skills

will be used to full effect on this obstacle.

BEN: Hang on. All of a sudden, he twists and turns.

Oh, dear. Gets himself back in the line,

and this could be it. It is it! Perfect. Perfect, Jordan.

Jordan Papandrea is now within shot...

Yes! ..of the Mega Warped Wall.

LEN: Go the Mega! Go the Mega!

BEN: Will he play it safe?

The Mega Warped Wall might be a little bit too much for him

with that leg injury.

He's gone the Mega Warped Wall.

CROWD: Beat the wall! Beat the wall! Be the wall!

BEN: He could be the first one up there tonight.

Don't hang around. Just get up there, son.

Jordan Papandrea...

No. Gee.

That was a real misstep for Jordan. He was a long way off the top.

Got about halfway up.

But that's the first time he's got a sense of the curve.

Come on, mate.

BEN: He gets two more attempts.

If he gets up there, he can score five grand.

Go, Jordan.

Oh, he's miles away. Miles away. I didn't see that coming.

Has he made an error here?

Should he have gone the normal Warped Wall at 4.25m?

Should've, would've, could've. Let's not worry about that.

Jordan Papandrea is about to bring this home.

He is gonna have to dig really deep.

Go, Jordon! Has he got it in him to get there?

Yeah! Yes! He got to the top!

Jordan Papandrea! Unbelievable!

Unbelievable! How good's that?

And he starts dishing out the cash. Five big ones!

Jordan!

BEN: The money's flying on Ninja Warrior. $5,000...

Too good!

BEN: and on the third attempt, Bec,

you were doubting him there for a moment. He's your boy!

I didn't know you had that in you, Jordan. I thought you were gone.

She was doubting you, mate! Oh, thanks for having my back.

Yeah, what's going on?

I did, until you made the choice to go up the Mega Warped Wall,

and then on the third attempt... I knew you had it, brother.

That's why I made it up. Thank you. No worries, mate.

Apologies, Jordan. Well,

this was a near-perfect run from Jordan Papandrea.

He flew through the first few stages of the course,

and his work on the Rolling Steel was absolutely textbook.

And then he chose to go the Mega Warped Wall,

even though he is struggling with an injury.

He used all three attempts, but brought it home.

That makes him the Furthest Fastest tonight.

And that's $1,000 to the KFC Youth Foundation charity partners.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

To conquer the Mega Warped Wall on your third attempt

is something special.

No doubt about it. We've seen plenty of big moments tonight,

and there are still more to come. Don't go anywhere.

You're watching Ninja Warrior.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

Coming up, Olympic track and field star, John Steffensen.

Plus, he's the newcomer all the other Ninjas fear.

Cam D'Silva.

Cam D'Silva's definitely one to watch.

Can this pocket rocket live up to his reputation?

And after the break, skeleton rider Mel Armstrong

crashed out early in the semifinals last year.

Will this mum of two be the first woman

up the Warped Wall for season three?

Yeah. I've got that.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

BEC: The KFC Youth Foundation is a proud supporter

of Australia's youth and Ninja Warrior.

For every Ninja who dares to take on the Mega Warped Wall tonight,

the KFC Youth Foundation will donate $1,000

to their charity partners.

(THEME MUSIC)

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

BEN: Welcome back to Ninja Warrior in Melbourne,

where, before the break, Jordan Papandrea

was the first to make it up the Mega Warped Wall tonight.

Yes! Jordon Papandrea! He got to the top! Unbelievable!

On his third attempt, he scaled the Mega Warped Wall

and scored himself $5,000.

And our next Ninja has her own aspirations

to get up the Warped Wall.

One of our strongest female contenders,

mum of two, Mel Armstrong.

OK, Sonny. Yeah?

Can you tell everybody, have you got any advice for me for Ninja Warrior?

Yeah. What do I need to do differently?

(LAUGHS) Get wet.

Get wet? I'm pretty good at that, aren't I?

When I do the primary school, you know, drop-off in the morning,

they're always like, "Can you run up the wall? Can you do the wall?"

Beat the wall! Beat the wall!

I can say yes as many times as I like,

but until they see me actually do it,

it doesn't hold much credence, really.

(ROCK MUSIC)

So, I competed in skeleton in 2004.

My legs have always been strong and explosive,

so the wall absolutely won't be a problem.

Last year, I made the semis.

Can she beat it?

No, she can't.

I think I was thinking, like, one obstacle ahead.

I just wasn't in the moment, so, splash.

But that will not happen this year.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

Have a look at the fitness level of Mel Armstrong.

Go, Mummy! Go, Mummy!

BEN: And those beautiful little kids...

Aww! ..kitted out in the tracksuits.

Have a look at them. Duke and Sonny!

Hey, Duke and Sonny!

And Mel Armstrong is one of our top female contenders in tonight's heat.

(CROWD CHANTING)

It's a tough heat. A really challenging course.

(TIMER BEEPS)

(CROWD CHEERING)

FREDDIE: Here she goes, Mel Armstrong.

Made the semifinals last year, falling off on the Broken Pipes.

This time round, she's trained for a whole year for this.

And she describes herself as bullet-proof.

No bullets on this course, just a lot of water, Mel.

And she's through.

The first obstacle much tougher than last year's.

Gee, she looks fit this year.

Like many of our returning Ninjas,

Mel has spent the whole year putting in specific training for Ninja.

Let's hope she gets the distance onto the Swing Surfer.

She is there!

Grabs onto the big pole,

now just needs to time her exit onto the platform.

And nicely done. Hey!

Well done on the exit.

It is cause for celebration,

because anything can happen on that Swing Surfer.

Go, Mummy! Go, Mummy!

Tuning Forks, all about balance, but how are you gonna tackle it?

Slow and steady? Rip it off like a bandaid?

Go, go, go, go!

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

You wouldn't know it looking at her,

but she says she loves a Chardonnay, cheese and marshmallows.

I don't believe you.

Look at those abs and look at those shoulders,

working, pushing towards the end.

A couple more turnovers... Oh, no!

Oh, no! Just comes up short!

Oh! She slipped!

I cannot believe she fell in the pool.

She was looking so strong on that obstacle, Freddie.

Did she do well? Yeah.

Yeah, she did the best!

Mel, it was going so well, and it just came undone there.

I do not want to be talking to you just yet! (LAUGHS)

It's like being at home, this, Mel, to be honest.

(LAUGHTER)

Yeah, well, I...

That's just so what happens when you think you've already done something.

I knew I was at the end,

and I was already thinking about being off it,

and that's when you get wet!

So, that's just a stuff-up I can't take back,

really, isn't it? (LAUGHS)

Cheers, Mel. Unlucky. Thanks.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

Oh, that was hard to watch.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

Oh! (INAUDIBLE)

Ah, well. Well done, Mummy.

Ah, well!

BEN: Yeah, the pressure can get to even our most experienced Ninjas.

You splashed us!

I splashed you? I'm sorry!

And if anyone knows experience, it's two-time grand finalist Ben Polson.

Freddie's down in the warm-up area right now.

Freddie, over to you and Ben.

Ben, come here, mate. Let's have a quick chat.

One... (EXHALES) Oh, give it a rest, mate.

Um, listen, this is your third time on Ninja Warrior.

Is this the year gonna do something?

Are you gonna get up that Mount Midoriyama?

Are you saying the past two years I haven't been doing anything?

Well, you've tried hard and it's gone alright, but, third time.

Look, third time's the charm.

I honestly do believe that this year is the year.

Do you think it's actually possible to do it?

I truly do believe that I'm gonna get to the top of that mountain,

and I really can't wait to do it.

And I know you're gonna be there cheering me on.

Mate, if you're there, I cannot wait to see it.

But looking around, there's a few new Ninjas, a few new faces.

Are there any ones that you've spotted, like, ones to watch?

Yeah, look, um, I may be the tallest Ninja on the show,

but we've got Cam D'Silva over to my left who's one of the shortest.

And it's amazing to see us train together.

We've got totally different techniques,

do everything differently, but we still achieve the same goal.

So I'm super stoked to have Cam by my side,

a fellow Perth Ninja, and he's one to look out for.

I'm 165cm, and I weigh 57kg.

I have quite a large fighting background.

I did taekwondo for seven years.

I was competing at state level.

Won a couple of state championships.

Yeah. So, I was 12 when I hit my head.

(SOLEMN MUSIC)

I fell off a skateboard, hit my head,

didn't get knocked out, proceeded to walk home.

Couple of days later, my head was still sore,

my nose started running.

Put me through a CT scan.

They then saw that I had fractured my skull in multiple places

and I had quite large blood clots around my brain.

It was an emergency surgery that night.

They removed a part of my skull, removed the blood clots,

and put three titanium bolts and a plate in my skull.

It all happened so fast.

They said, "You're gonna not survive,

"or you'll never make a full recovery."

The term they used was 'a vegetable'.

MAN: Worst thing for a parent is seeing your kid like that.

I was petrified he wouldn't make it.

I didn't breathe for probably six months.

They said the recovery would take a while,

but he slowly came back.

He wanted to compete in taekwondo again.

He wanted to go black belt. I'm like, "No. No.

"You can't compete. It's full contact. It's..."

You know, and he found something else, which was Ninja.

I've gone on to make a 100% recovery.

But I was left with a pretty good scar from ear to ear,

as you can probably see when I have a haircut, especially.

Everything I do, I prove people wrong.

The sky's the limit, isn't it?

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

BEN: Here we go. Cameron D'Silva.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

He's only 5'5. 57kg.

But we think he's gonna fly through this course,

and possibly make it up the Mega Warped Wall.

MAN: That's it, mate. Stay relaxed.

Mum and Dad couldn't be here, but training partner Dave

is cheering him on tonight. You know what to do.

BEN: Well, safe to say, Bec, this bloke's been to hell and back.

Yeah, he has, but he is focused on one thing at the moment,

and that's getting up Mount Midoriyama.

(CROWD CHEERING)

Showing great form already on the Floating Steps.

There are some other Ninjas who've been around for some time

who reckon, out of the new breed, this bloke is on the top of the pile.

Little bit of added pressure on this lad.

Everyone talking him up, saying how good he is.

Great landing.

Had to make a massive leap there. Not the biggest of lads.

Now he needs another one to get to the side, and he's through.

Tuning Forks. This one is tricky.

It's all about balance and precision.

Know your footing. Know your footing.

BEN: Does he have it to negotiate? Oh, oh, oh!

Oh! No!

(ALL GROAN) Oh, no.

Cam D'Silva, he falls off the Tuning Forks.

One of our high hopes,

one of the Ninjas that the other Ninjas fear,

is off on obstacle three.

That's a big shock. Big shock.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

On Ninja Warrior, you could be doing everything right,

and you're just short by an inch, and all of a sudden,

it looks like it might be over for him.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

He's doing it tough at the moment. Put on a brave face.

But I think there might be a few tears

welling up in his eyes at the moment, so...

It's a tough one for him.

We were certain this newcomer was gonna do well,

but anything can happen.

Still to come, some of the biggest names

in Australian Ninja Warrior return,

and they have their eyes on the $300,000 prize.

Jack Wilson.

I'm back for season three, and I'm bringing it home.

The history-making Olivia Vivian... What! What!

..who was the first female up the Warped Wall last year.

OLIVIA: Last year, the females brought the heat,

but it's about time we took out the title.

Or it could be the big man, Alex Bigg,

destined for Ninja glory.

I'm a Big Ninja, I'm back for season three.

Third time lucky, baby.

He is ready and raring to go. That's next.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

BEN: 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.

(THEME MUSIC)

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

Welcome back to Melbourne, where it's a freezing eight degrees,

and warming up is grand finalist Alex Bigg.

The aircraft engineer came third last year,

and he has his eyes on the big prize.

BEC: We'll soon see how he goes, but now, another newcomer to Ninja.

Who have you got there, Freddie?

FREDDIE: Dhani Johnson from NSW.

Now, this young man's grandfather, Wally Johnson,

wrote the song 'Home Among the Gum Trees'.

Never heard of it. Never.

Freddie, you're talking about an Australian classic there.

DHANI: For me, this house has always been very special.

Everybody knows the legacy of this house.

♪ A sheep or two and a kangaroo... ♪

This is the house my grandfather was talking about

when he wrote the song 'Home Among the Gum Trees'.

♪ And an old rocking chair. ♪

I grew up here.

I have, personally, a lot of memories attached to this place.

This is where my Ninja training started.

This is where it all started. All those years ago.

So, what did you do? Swinging off the clothesline.

Tell me again about my poor clothesline.

(CHUCKLES) I would tie a rope to one of the corners,

get a running start all the way around...

(LAUGHS)

..and then launch myself out over the edge.

One of the reasons that I really want to run the Ninja Warrior course

is to make my family proud.

Grandpa left behind a legacy to be proud of,

and I want to make my legacy on Australian Ninja Warrior.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

MAN: Come on, give him a big cheer!

Dad Cydrus revving up the crowd,

and Grandma tonight watching from a home among the gum trees, of course.

BEN: That early training on the rocks is paying off.

He's making light work of the Floating Steps.

Easy!

Testing the tramp, always a good idea.

Good run-up, a good run-up.

Good advice, Dad.

But let's see how he puts it into practice.

(CROWD CHEERING)

Big moment. I'm nervous. I'm nervous.

He lands it. Yes! Big leap. Huge leap!

Using that momentum for a graceful dismount now.

Does it. Tick.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

This is a strong start from the Gum Tree Ninja

as he makes his way to the Tuning Forks.

FREDDIE: He goes. Oh, he's going fast through there.

Wow! Blink and you'll miss it!

He is light on his feet. And smiling all the way!

He is confident.

I'm confident, too. He could go all the way.

This one's easy! You got this!

Oh, I wouldn't say easy, Cydrus. The obstacle is very tough.

Taking his time with the dismount.

Now done. Done.

He needs to focus right now on the Spinball Wizard.

Don't think about it. Test the tramp, test the tramp.

So, we've already seen his form on the tramp, and it was good.

Can he get the height? Come on, Dhani!

This is a big leap. Goes for it...

Gets it. Yeah!

He is a contender, that's for sure.

CROWD: Swing! Swing! Swing! Swing!

FREDDIE: This tests everything - your concentration,

your power, your core, technique.

Just starting to go a little bit all over the place.

Yeah, he's got to try and get those handlebars straight

and focus on the transition. That's it! That's it!

Oh, he's taking an awfully long time.

Now he's getting a bit of momentum.

Burning a lot of energy...

Oh! He slipped!

Oh, I think he spent too much time on the first one.

His arms gave way.

He had those balls in his hands, and then he let them go.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING) That was a pretty good effort.

Oh, that was awesome.

Dhani, it was a great run up until the Spinball Wizard.

How hard is that?

It's ridiculous. So much fun, but...

Yeah, just the hand-eye coordination that you need to, like,

get yourself swinging in the right direction,

and then those balls are just like...

Those balls are a nightmare. (LAUGHTER)

Look, a great effort, Dhani. Well done, mate.

Ladies and gentlemen, Dhani Johnson!

Well done, mate. (APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

Well, he didn't go all the way, but he is certainly still in it.

This course has been taking its toll,

but some of our strongest Ninjas are still to come,

including this next guy.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

Yes, he's got his eye on Mount Midoriyama.

But before that, the Mega Warped Wall.

From South Australia, Alex Bigg.

Look at this!

Alex Bigg, pushing through the pain barrier.

ALEX: Last season, I got third place.

I was pretty happy with it at the time,

and then it sort of started to eat at me afterwards.

It was like, "Oh, just a little bit further."

Oh, no! Oh!

I'm back this year for redemption.

I've done a lot of training since season two.

(ROCK MUSIC)

I think I'm a lot better prepared for season three

than I was for season two.

This year, there's over 100 grand on the line

for Australian Ninja Warrior, I'm gonna take it.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

He is a favourite with the crowd.

All of his family and baby Arlo right here in prime position,

ready for his assault on the Warped Wall.

Yeah, I think if he goes all the way,

he'll have a crack at the Mega Wall and the 5K.

Come on, big fella! You've got this.

OK. (TIMER BEEPS)

The buzzer has sounded.

Alex is big by name and stature, as he takes on this new first obstacle.

But he is floating over the Floating Steps.

He is one of my red-hot favourites.

We've seen some red-hot favourites come unstuck early,

so let's just give him his time and not jinx him.

(CROWD CHEERING)

Now on to the Swing Surfer. Needs a big bounce.

Look at that. Oh, my word! He nearly knocks it over!

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

Big leap there from Alex Bigg. He means business.

He's going to the top, this lad. Look at him.

Oh, he does it well. Oh, Alex, don't scare us.

Had a bit of a moment midair where he was wondering

whether he had enough steam to get across, but he did it.

This is gonna be a tough one, Bec.

Well, unlike Dhani, Ben, Alex is not light on his feet.

In fact, the big man is 12kg heavier.

Oh, no, Alex! Oh! Oh!

Oh, that's a save from Alex Bigg!

Alex Bigg hangs on for dear life!

Oh, dear! Look at the spin! Look at the spin!

He rides it around five, six, seven times.

Oh, I feel sick watching.

He recovers. I don't know how he did.

Wow. Wow.

Oh!

That shows class, skill and patience.

That was a mighty save. One of the best we have seen so far.

And that is what experience will do for you.

(CHUCKLES) He shakes his head in disbelief.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

Breathes a huge sigh of relief.

I think that was gonna be his biggest concern.

This is not. Have a look at the upper body strength.

And the Rolling Steel is now...

conquered by Alex Bigg.

And Alex Bigg is one step closer to the Warped Wall.

That spill on the Tuning Forks cost him.

He's 40 seconds behind where Jordan Papandrea was at this point.

He needs to get up that wall fast.

(CROWD CHANTING)

Here he goes, Alex Bigg on the Spinball Wizard.

Safely onto the first handlebars.

Oh, yeah, but we just saw what happened with Dhani.

He got stuck on the first set of handles, ran out of steam,

and then didn't have enough energy to lache.

Can Alex do it?

Yes. He lands it.

Oh, he's far from danger yet, though. Still one to go.

Makes it! Alex Bigg!

But look at the dismount.

3m to the edge.

Gives a smile to the crowd to say, "I've got this."

And you are safe.

Will he have a go at the Mega Warped Wall?

He's going towards the Mega Warped Wall.

This lad loves his cash. He is going Mega.

CROWD: Beat the wall! Beat the wall!

Didn't even look at the normal Warped Wall.

Always about the Mega one.

I'm gonna back him in. Here he goes.

Here he goes. Alex Bigg. Leaning over.

Up, Alex Bigg! Straight up!

Alex Bigg gets up the Mega Warped Wall!

$5,000!

And he is five grand richer!

How good was that? Oh! Oh, my goodness.

Alex Bigg, we've been waiting for you!

What a run.

It was a very close call on the Tuning Forks, though.

We've seen this error a lot tonight,

when he missed the landing on that fourth prong.

But Alex was able to catch himself, hang on during that wild ride,

and then when the time was right, make the dismount.

And from there, it was a perfect run to the Mega Warped Wall.

First go, didn't blink, didn't even consider the Warped Wall.

What an effort. (LAUGHS)

He looked like he had another couple of inches to go!

Alex, well done, pal.

Mate, that was a great run,

but your heart must have been in your mouth

at one point on the Tuning Forks.

Yeah, did you see that? What the hell!

Did you see me grab it? Yeah, I wasn't expecting that.

I was here. I was on the side, mate. (LAUGHTER)

Alright, well, you're through to the semifinal,

and I'm sure you've got bigger things on your mind, don't you?

Oh, that little one.

I wasn't really referring to that.

I was thinking about Mount Midoriyama,

but you go and change a nappy.

Go on. Cheers, Al.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

So far tonight,

we've had two returning favourites up the Mega Warped Wall,

scoring five grand apiece.

If we can get one more up there,

it'll be the most we've had up the Mega Warped Wall in one heat.

And with returning Ninja power couple

Olivia Vivian and Ben Polson still to come,

triumph is on the cards.

Plus Olympic track and field superstar John Steffensen

is backing himself on the Ninja course.

When I was running, I always aimed to be a champion,

so tonight, nothing has changed.

I'm still aiming to conquer that wall,

and if I don't get there,

I've gotta be ready for the criticism I'm gonna get

from everybody I've told that I'm gonna conquer this course. (LAUGHS)

And after the break,

a speedskating daredevil wheels up to the starting gate.

MAN: I'm used to towing down hills at 80km an hour plus,

but tonight, you're gonna see me go up the Warped Wall even faster.

Will Owen Davey be the first new Ninja up the Warped Wall tonight?

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

(THEME MUSIC)

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

BEC: Welcome back to Ninja Warrior, where, during the break,

undefeated Muay Thai champion River Daz attacked the course.

Come on! BEN: Here he goes.

Up he goes. (APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

Now, you don't want to spend too long on this thing, otherwise...

Oh, but he went just too quick!

And Queensland-born diesel mechanic Krystal Barbour took to the course.

But she didn't have enough power in her run-up,

and fell short on the Swing Surfer.

You tried. You tried. It was good.

OK, but on course now is 32-year-old downhill speedskater Owen Davey,

and look at him. He is flying through.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

Just looking at the clock now.

He's reached the Spinball Wizard

just three seconds short of Jordan Papandrea's time.

He's going so well! MAN: Come on, Owen!

(CROWD CHANTING)

Grabs the handles of the first Spinball Wizard.

FREDDIE: Needs to somehow keep himself straight

as he swings those legs.

You can see they're just twisting side to side.

The handlebars, they don't remain straight.

They go all over the place.

Yes! Grabs a hold of those balls.

Now, he's got to adjust his grip here during the lache

from the balls to the handlebars. It's tricky.

Look at the eyes just locked into where they need to go.

Yes! He gets it.

And he turns to the crowd to say, "Yes!"

Really got good body control.

MAN: Come on!

Look at him! He's nodding to the crowd.

He's having the time of his life.

That's a 3m jump.

And now, Owen Davey, the 32-year-old from the ACT.

Owen Davey, this guy is one of the best newcomers we've seen.

He is only the third to make it to the walls tonight.

CROWD: Beat the wall! Beat the wall!

Just gone straight for the Warped Wall

and trying to book his place in the semifinal.

Oh, my god.

Here we go. Revving up the engine...

But Owen Davey gets up the top, hits the buzzer,

and books his spot in the semifinals of Australian Ninja Warrior.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

Owen Davey, that was a first-class run.

Were you fearing anything? Or you just felt comfortable?

I think the Tuning Forks are the scariest one.

It's hard. Go and catch your breath

and go and say g'day to the gang. Congratulations.

Give him a big round of applause, Owen Davey!

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

Gymnast Jordan Papandrea still tops the leaderboard,

but Owen's run puts him into second place.

Alex Bigg is in third.

I am very excited about the next Ninja.

He's an Olympic silver medallist,

and has won gold in the Commonwealth Games.

He is one of Australia's great athletes,

and he's looking to fly through this Ninja Warrior course.

Let's get behind John Steffensen.

I think Australia would know me mainly for being

a runner that spoke his mind...

You think I waste my time running and training for fun?

..but yet could achieve as well,

and I think my most popular race

was probably winning Commonwealth Games in 2006.

I think what makes a successful athlete is strong belief

and the ability to work extremely hard.

I like to think that I have some attributes

that could get me across the line,

but I won't know until I take on the course.

I have to call upon all my knowledge of my sport

and just make sure I can, uh... at least not embarrass myself.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

Hi, John.

Got any tips?

He's asking me for tips!

He's a proper athlete. I was a cricketer.

Don't ask me, mate. (LAUGHS)

CROWD: Go, go, go, go!

BEN: When you see it on the TV,

those steps look close together,

but in the flesh, a lot harder, and they get steeper as you go.

We haven't had too many track athletes and superstars

on Ninja Warrior,

so we're not quite sure, with John's background,

how that's gonna hold him on this course tonight.

He's been watching from the couch and thinking,

"I reckon I'd be half a chance."

Mmm. (LAUGHS)

I don't think there'll be anything that'll stop him here, Bec.

He has always got a great, big smile on his face.

He's got a super personality,

and that is a super jump.

Hey, he's looking good. I know it's an early call,

but he sort of got over the nerves now, and he's into it!

A Superman leap at the end to put himself on the mat.

And now the Tuning Forks. Oh, he is scratching his head,

thinking, "how do I negotiate this?"

Oh, that's how you do it! Just like that, you do!

So far, so, so good.

Now, the Rolling Steel.

We've seen his leg power, but this tests something else.

(CROWD CHEERING)

We're working the upper body now. Getting a little bit stuck.

Push, push, push, John! You're at the end!

Oh, he wants to get off this thing. He wants to get off it quick.

The crowd are on their feet.

Now, he needs to take a little bit of a breather here, I reckon...

I think he's cooked.

..because two obstacles in a row that really challenge the arms,

and considering most of his power comes from the lower end of the body,

he really needs to suck some oxygen in at the moment.

CROWD: Swing! Swing! Swing!

And remember, he is retired.

You know, he's probably not as fit as he used to be.

Still looks very fit, but...

I'm glad you clarified that. (CHUCKLES)

(INAUDIBLE) He goes, and down he goes.

He's good on his feet, but not his hands.

I just felt that he should have taken a little bit longer

between obstacles then.

And look, you can see, his arms are cooked.

Another one taken by the Spinball Wizard,

and not just anyone, he is an Olympian.

But remember, there's a possibility

he'll still go through to the semifinals,

because it's Furthest Fastest that goes through.

I can't wait to hear what he has to say.

You are gassed. You're a proper athlete, and look at you.

You can't catch your breath!

Use that term very loosely there, Freddie, but, mate...

I'm knackered, mate. I'm buggered. But anyway.

If I was you, I'd go and rest, get your breath back,

and hopefully see you again. Well done, John. Absolute pleasure.

Well done, pal.

Isn't it interesting to hear elite athletes

and how this course actually challenges them

with all of their accolades.

Hopefully John Steffensen will get through to the semifinals.

After the break, this Perth athlete became a household name

by taking Ninja Warrior by storm.

Whoo!

Of course, unfortunately, Ninja does not pay the bills.

And he's had to take odd jobs to make ends meet.

You are literally watching paint dry.

So there's only one thing on Ben Polson's mind.

There's $300,000 up Mount Midoriyama.

That's got my name on it.

Ben and girlfriend Olivia Vivian

will take to the course after the break.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

(THEME MUSIC)

Welcome back to Ninja Warrior.

We're back, a big, brand-new season,

and haven't we already seen

some amazing highlights tonight, Rebecca Maddern?

Yeah, well, strap yourselves in for this next woman.

It is the first woman to ever make it to the grand final.

On the way there, this Ninja favourite

even backflipped her way up the Warped Wall.

Of course, it is Olivia Vivian!

This is for history.

Yes, she's got it! And she's got it!

What! What! Yes! Oh, my goodness!

OLIVIA: When season two came out,

the messages of support and encouragement

from girls all over the country and parents as well,

it melted my heart.

I saw you do the backflip. You saw me?

They want to know how I did the backflip up the wall. (LAUGHS)

I tell them, "With a lot of practice."

This year, it's gonna come down to how I mentally approach that course,

and I've learned that I do that best when I have fun.

(LAUGHTER)

For season three Ninja Warrior, my goal is to win it.

I think it's really important to state that goal.

I'm putting it out there. I want to win.

I want to be the first female to win, ever.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

FREDDIE: Here she is, Australia's most successful female Ninja.

People are expecting big things from this young lady.

BEN: Perth's own Olivia Vivian.

Is she gonna do the backflip tonight?

Who knows? She's gotta get there first.

Gotta get past the Spinball Wizard.

It must be hard for Olivia,

coming into this competition as the best-ranked female.

There's a lot of pressure on her shoulders right now.

She's also been responsible for

a number of other women around Australia signing up and saying,

"Righto, I want to prove that I can do one better.

(CROWD CHEERING)

So light on her feet.

And so smart.

Testing the tramp. Getting ready for the Swing Surfer.

And the run-up here...

Everything you've got. BEN F: is crucial.

Well, you've got to be cautious. Really cautious.

We know she's got the skills, but in Ninja,

all it takes is one tiny mistake.

(CROWD CHEERING) Oh, smooth as you like.

One of the smoothest landings we've had so far.

BEN P: Big jump. Come on.

Oh, she gets. Yes, Olivia. Great work.

BEN F: Well done, Olivia. Turns the corner.

She is taking her time on this run tonight

before she gets to the next obstacle.

Work out your steps, babe.

The Tuning Forks.

BEN F: And remember, it's Furthest Fastest,

that's what we're looking for.

But you need accuracy on this obstacle.

Come on, Olivia.

She's got it. One...

Dancing, dancing, yes!

She's a star.

And she loves it. They love her.

BEN F: Ben Polson... BEN P: Come on, babe.

BEN F: giving her every bit of support.

And now she shakes out those hands and gets ready for the Rolling Steel.

This is where another strong female contender, Mel Armstrong, came off.

Legs, legs, legs, legs.

And arms, Ben, pushing it, pushing it.

She's near the end, just needs to make the dismount.

Gee, I'm nervous for Olivia at this point.

Bigger swing than you think.

That's it, come on. Yeah!

Yep. Olivia Vivian. BEN F: She's there!

She's showing the best how it's done.

Spinball Wizard.

Only three Ninjas have made it through this obstacle so far tonight.

Ah, now, you know why she is shaking her hands out like that?

It's really cold here in Melbourne tonight,

and the later it gets, the colder it gets.

We can see the pressure building on her

as she's at the second-last obstacle.

And here's where experience plays a part.

She's taken a lot of time to prepare herself.

(CROWD CHANTING)

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING) Onto the handlebars, no problem.

No problem gripping them, but now they twist.

Work it out. Get a feel for it!

BEN F: She's gonna need to straighten them up.

Ooh...

And now, only one more lache, and then she is at the walls.

Come on...

Yes!

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

She knows that that's the moment... Yes!

..where she's now going to face the Warped Wall.

Will she be the first female up there this season?

CROWD: Beat the wall! Beat the wall!

Yes, Olivia. Yes, Olivia! You can go the Mega!

She's gonna skip the Mega Warped Wall.

Oh, she goes and has a little look at it.

Yes, Olivia. CROWD: Beat the wall! Beat the wall!

She's playing it safe. Come on, babe.

Bec, we know she can do this.

Oh, she can backflip up it.

Who knows what she's got in store for us?

She grabs it. She gets it. She's there.

Oh, she's just done the splits. What? Hang on a moment.

Hey! Hey there, Olivia.

The first woman up the Warped Wall this series!

Yeah! (SCREAMS) Olivia Vivian!

The game changer and the record breaker

is into the semifinals of Australian Ninja Warrior.

Sensational stuff. What was the hardest part?

I need to do more cardio.

(LAUGHS) We all need to do more cardio, Olivia.

For me, I think dealing with the cold.

Like, I got to this last wizard one, I couldn't feel my fingers,

so it was a matter of just keeping calm, taking it slow,

making sure I got here.

Did you think about that Mega Warped Wall,

or was that never on the menu?

I did, but I wanted this more.

And I'm going for the big money, so, five grand?

Come on. Well...

It's nothing compared to $300,000, is it?

That was absolutely sensational.

One of the top women in the competition,

and she is back for season three.

This woman is unbelievable.

Last year, she was the first woman

to get up the Warped Wall in the heats,

and this year, she has done exactly that again.

Ahh! (SCREAMS AND LAUGHS)

Oh...

Oh, I'm so proud of you. Congrats.

Alright, you two. Break it up, break it up. Break it up.

Come here, Olivia. Ahh!

Boyfriend Ben, have you got any advice for him going into this?

I'm just so excited I got to go before him

and now the pressure's off me! (LAUGHS)

But he's... I truly believe in him. He's got this.

Do you feel the pressure, Ben?

Oh... Now the missus has gone through?

After watching that, I sure do. Far out. That was incredible.

Nah, I'm super stoked for her, honestly.

She's worked her absolute ass off,

and here she is, just sending it up that wall,

super proud of you, honestly. That was amazing.

As Ben makes his way to the start line,

we'll take a look at the leaderboard.

The incredible Olivia Vivian is now fourth fastest of the night,

pushing Olympian John Steffensen into fifth position.

BEN: Stewart Furze and Cam D'Silva have an anxious wait,

as they're sitting in 16 and 17,

with only the top 18 progressing to the semis.

We will find out if Ben can match Olivia's performance right now.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

Full confidence. Full confidence.

Here he is, Ben Polson.

Blitzed it in season one.

Season two, he had a little mistake in the grand final,

dipping his toe in the water on the Salmon Ladder.

So this is the start of retribution for Ben.

Olivia just had time to put a warm jacket on.

Now she's in supporter mode,

because here goes her boyfriend on the Floating Steps.

And if he wants to go one better than Olivia,

he's got to go up the Mega Warped Wall.

Ben Polson, one of the taller athletes in this competition.

6'5. Our tallest Ninja.

And one of the favourites. And here he is.

Look at that for a leap! Wow!

He's nearly on the other side already! Did you see that?

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING) Ben Polson. Confident start.

You're absolutely right, Freddie.

And he is currently matching Jordan Papandrea's time.

This bloke won't have a problem.

Oh, he's straight through the Tuning Forks.

Can't keep up with this lad.

Now, look at that for speed!

Legs going, arms going,

putting a show on tonight, Ben Polson. Full of confidence!

That is the quickest time we've seen on that obstacle.

Now 13 seconds faster than Jordan.

Look how strong he is through the air!

There is no doubt this guy is one of the best.

Oh, hang on a minute. He's got the wobbles.

I was gonna say no doubt.

He's twisting and turning.

Oh! And you know what? That wingspan, and the size of him...

He's got such an advantage. Doesn't he have an advantage?

OK. On that obstacle, at least.

Beat that wall!

Girlfriend on the sideline, Olivia Vivian,

already made it up the little Warped Wall.

Ben Polson, you've got to think,

is just going Mega for five grand. You've got this, babe!

He has to, Freddie. His height will work well for him now.

Psyching himself up. 5.25m... One go. I bet you.

Yes! He's there!

And Ben Polson has nailed the Mega Warped Wall!

$5,000 to you, Ben Polson!

Oh, my god!

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

We were wondering whether you could do one better than Olivia.

You did.

Is that enough? That's 1m.

Yeah, he didn't do the splits, though.

That's true. (LAUGHS)

How are you feeling, mate? (LAUGHS)

I feel amazing. You know?

I believed in myself.

Come out here, I think I've done that. I'm super stoked.

This is one buzzer.

I've got many more buzzers to go, don't you worry.

That's what we like to hear. Love it.

Congratulations, mate.

And with that time, he's really laid down the gauntlet

for the likes of Ashlin Herbert, Rob Patterson

and all our other superstar Ninjas.

And up next, it's the one we've all been waiting for.

The legend that is the Deadly Ninja.

Jack Wilson is back on Ninja Warrior.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

(TENSE MUSIC)

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

BEN: Welcome back to Ninja Warrior in Melbourne.

Get ready, we've got something special for you right now.

Well, Jack is back, Australia.

It is time for the Deadly Ninja.

This two-time grand finalist

wants to give Australia the winner it deserves.

The man, the legend - Jack Wilson. Come on, Jack!

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

JACK: My performance in the Ninja Warrior season two, I loved it.

The one, the only, Jack Wilson!

Over the past two years,

I've had the pleasure to travel across the whole of Australia,

into rural communities, working with Indigenous people

and share my passion, which is health and wellbeing.

A lot of my training has been in

doing a lot of workouts on the outdoor equipment.

Lots of rope climbing. Mount Midoriyama. (LAUGHS)

It's the best I've felt in my life.

I am the Deadly Ninja.

I am back for season three, and I'm bringing it home.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

Easy work, Jack Wilson. Let's go, bud. The Deadly Ninja all the way.

Well, Jack Wilson has certainly made a name for himself

on the global Ninja stage,

representing Australia alongside Olivia Vivian,

Ashlin Herbert, Bryson Klein and Ben Polson.

We've all seen how they've gone in the heats.

You can only imagine what we are about to witness.

And I've got to say,

it's looking particularly cold in Melbourne tonight.

I'm not sure the budgie smugglers are the go in weather like this.

Bloomin' heck, Jack.

Easy work, brother! Easy work!

That's his brother Jesse and dad Warren on the sideline tonight.

Look at him look up towards the sky.

He wants it.

Jack, this is your time. This is your moment.

Well, he has been dreaming about this moment since last year.

Easy work, Jack! Let's go, brother!

(TIMER BEEPS)

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

Here we go. Jack Wilson.

Jack Wilson. We have been waiting for you.

One of our stronger Ninjas from season one and season two.

And with that, his first obstacle is down.

And you get a sense that we're gonna be watching a lot of him

over the next few weeks,

but you can't afford to make any mistake in your heat.

All the way! Launch!

Because celebrity status and past form doesn't mean anything.

Yes, Jack!

Oh, no! Oh, what?

(DRAMATIC MUSIC)

That is the biggest shock of Australian Ninja Warrior.

Damn!

A grand finalist into the pool on the second obstacle,

and not only a grand finalist, he is one of the favourites.

Jack Wilson looks like he's out.

Completely out.

Spewin'!

And the crowd goes completely silent.

We are devastated.

Have a look at the faces around the crowd.

Jack. Hey.

I did not expect to be giving you a towel after the second obstacle.

I suppose you're as shocked as anyone else.

Yeah. Ah...

Freddie, mate, anything can happen out there.

You know, I didn't go... That didn't go to plan.

Simple mistakes, you know, can happen.

And that's the Ninja beauty. Like, anything can happen out there.

Happens to the best of us, you know?

But, fell in the water, still happy to be here.

We're gonna replay what happened.

If you want to talk us through it,

what was going through your head as you bounced off the trampoline?

Yeah, I just, uh...

I think I just overrode it to the right a bit.

It just flung me a little bit, yeah.

And before I knew it,

you know, I was just stumbling out of there, yeah.

And you must have trained so hard

over the past year as well for this moment, too.

Of course, mate. I love Ninja Warrior.

I love what it's done for me.

It's allowed me to impact children,

impact our elders, and do what I love.

And what's next for Jack Wilson?

Oh, mate, just gonna continue to train,

continue to travel and teach what I know

and share the vision and belief.

You know, you've just got to get up and keep walking and keep going.

Well, we're sad to see you go. Big shock.

But, Jack, always a pleasure to see you. Cheers.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

Good work, Jackie. Good boy.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

(INAUDIBLE)

Whoo! (LAUGHS)

Yes! Yes! Whoo!

Well, that wraps up another thrilling Ninja Warrior heat, Bec.

Let's check out the final leaderboard.

After Jack's shock exit,

The Furbinator, Stewart Furze,

scrapes into the semifinals in 18th place.

Same goes for Cam D'Silva in 17th.

Aqua Duck Trudie Horskins swims in at 13th.

Dhani Johnson found his home among the gum trees in 10th.

Sprinter John Steffensen is sixth.

And Olivia's great run

puts her in fifth position,

but boyfriend Ben Polson was 40 seconds faster than the rest

and claims top spot.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

The bar has been set higher than anyone would have expected,

with plenty of speed, strength and agility on display from our Ninjas.

These behind are the 18 making it through to the semifinals,

with special mentions, firstly, to Olivia Vivian,

for blowing our minds once again,

this time doing the splits up the Warped Wall.

So, too, our returning grand finalists Alex and Jordan,

who powered through the course

and made it to the top of the Mega Warped Wall,

and in doing so, earned five grand each.

But tonight's show was stolen by Ben Polson.

He went through the course, made it to the top of the Mega Warped Wall

over 40 seconds faster than any other Ninja,

and, in doing so, is obviously our Furthest Fastest.

Ben, get up here, kid.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

Ben, you blitzed the course tonight.

But how much more have you got left in?

Look, I've got a lot left in the tank.

You know, Australia wants a winner this year.

We're in the heart of Melbourne.

I want to see a winner. I hope it's me.

Fingers crossed. Let's see what happens.

Well, we've heard it from Ben Polson.

Australia wants a winner.

That's all from us down here tonight.

Ben and Bec, back to you.

Good man, Freddie.

So far this season, we've met some great new competitors.

But I've got to say, Bec, it's been some of those returning Ninjas

who've really stolen the show tonight.

They have got their eye on the prize, Ben,

and I can't wait to see who will be the last Ninja standing.

So, you better join us tomorrow night for lots more Ninja action

right here on Australian Ninja Warrior.

Goodnight! Goodnight!

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

Tomorrow night, it's the heat everyone will be talking about.

I can't believe it! The greatest save in history!

Fighting for a semifinal spot, Olympic champion Lydia Lassila.

Ninja Warrior is really the ultimate test for an athlete.

The inspirational Max Closter.

MAX: I never used to talk at all.

That was... That was a struggle.

And Ninja's two biggest super fans,

Nathan Burley and Todd Smith.

I'm the biggest Ninja Warrior fan.

I'm the biggest Ninja Warrior fan, mate.

As long as we both hit the buzzer, man.

Yeah, that's it. I'll just do it in a better time.

Plus, more previous finalists determined to go all the way.

The big goal is to get to the grand final this year

and go that step further than I have the last two years.

With a guaranteed $100,000 up for grabs,

the battle is on to become Australia's first Ninja Warrior.