Original subtitles

BEN FORDHAM: Last night...

Oh! What a landing!

..in night one of the semis...

SHANE: Talk about business!

Zak means business tonight! Whoo!

BEN: there were highlights...

Eddie Burrill hits the buzzer...

(HORN SOUNDS)

..blows the whole competition wide open.

Oh, my goodness me!

BEN: as 12 ninjas made the grand final.

REBECCA MADDERN: Whoo-hoo!

BEN: Sam Goodall, the Tradie Ninja! (HORN SOUNDS)

BEC: John Papandrea is through!

BEN: But there were plenty of low-lights too.

BEC: Oh, no! BEN: Oh!

Down, down, down.

..with the Barefoot Ninja, Daniel Mason...

BEC: Up he goes... BEN: Oh, no!

He's in the water!

..and Flashlin Ashlin Herbert...

Oh, no!

..both crashing out of grand final contention.

Tonight, semifinal two

and some of the biggest names in Ninja Warrior history

are looking to go all the way...

The pressure is on and I need to do whatever I can to be in that top 12.

..including Charlie Robbins

and Ben Polson... (HORN SOUNDS)

..who both have a ten second time advantage up their sleeve

after winning the Power Tower.

BEN POLSON: I've been training all year for this.

I want to get invited to that awesome party

which is the Ninja Warrior grand final.

BEN: Some are looking for redemption.

MATTHEW BOWLES: I've got over the anxious feeling

and the nerves of the first time

and I've been training harder than ever.

BEN: and they all want a shot at the mother of all Power Towers.

It's new and improved for the semifinals.

He's got it! (HORN SOUNDS)

Zak Stolz hits the buzzer first!

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

We've dialled up the intensity

for their last shot at the grand final

and the chance to climb that mountain.

This is just one more buzzer, one more step to my ultimate goal.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

BEC: Welcome to the Australian Ninja Warrior semifinals for 2020.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

BEN: Last night, the best 12 ninjas took the next huge stride

towards Mount Midoriyama

and tonight, the battle is on

to secure the final 12 grand final spots.

To make that grand final, these incredible athletes

will need to negotiate a huge expanded obstacle course

designed to push them to their mental and physical limits.

That's right. Tonight, it is all about total focus

because a longer course means more fatigue

and one misjudged grip or misplaced foot

could mean the end of a ninja dream.

BEN: And for our ninjas, the dream is to conquer Mount Midoriyama,

which hasn't been done in the past three seasons.

But first, they're faced

with tonight's gruelling semifinal course.

Let's check it out now.

BEC: Nine obstacles

stand between our ninjas and the grand final,

kicking off with the dangerous Snake Run.

Six angled steps to cross

with the middle four sending ninjas' body weight to the left

before the crucial final step throws it back to the right.

BEN: Then onto the dreaded Rolling Log

where ninjas need to hold on tight

for a wild eight metre ride.

Then they steady themselves for the Diving Boards;

three narrow boards of differing sizes

that require perfect foot placement.

BEC: And if you thought last night's course was tough,

take a look at this; the Ring Turn.

This will test them like never before.

Their arms will be burning

as they must lock two large rings into place

before swinging across to a third smaller ring

and down to safety.

BEN: Then the Sling Shot.

Seven laches across the pool

made even more challenging

by the rubber bungee ropes in each cradle.

This one took out 12 of our best ninjas last night

including the legend, Ashlin Flashlin Herbert.

BEC: The iconic Warped Wall is next

which is where the heats ended

but not here in the semifinals.

There are still three more gruelling obstacles,

kicking off with the Barrel Roll.

We met this last night and ninjas have a near three metre jump,

then they soar through the air

to face up to the tricky Spider Jump,

an obstacle so tough

it saw the fall of another great, Dan Mason, last night.

BEN: And then the ninjas face up

to the Invisible Ladder,

the ultimate test

of physical strength and mental endurance.

They've got to summon all the power

to climb up an excruciating eight metres.

Reach the summit...

(HORN SOUNDS) ..and the grand final awaits.

BEC: Semifinal two tonight

and the competition heats up

as ninjas fight for one of just 12 spots

in the series grand final

where the furthest fastest overall

will win $100,000.

BEN: And if any ninja can conquer the awesome Mount Midoriyama,

which remember, has never been done in Australia before,

they will win a whopping... Crawf?

$400,000.

BEN: Plus, our fastest two ninjas tonight

will face off on the all-new, more brutal, semifinal Power Tower.

The winner will get an incredible second chance advantage

in the grand final.

Fail the course and they can run again.

It is a massive night with massive stakes

but as we know so well, these ninjas will rise to any challenge.

OK. Let's take a look right now at the first of tonight's ninjas.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

BEC: He is our returning grand finalist

who's in the best form we've ever seen.

He a smashed it in his heat,

coming furthest fastest overall

and lost a close battle on the Power Tower

to Tradie Ninja, Sam Goodall.

BEN: Here he is, the Surfing Twinja, Matt Filippi.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING) Go, Matt!

Come on, son!

MATT: So, in the last year, I have changed my training up.

I've added a lot more cardio

that I haven't been doing in the last few years

and it's paid off heaps.

I'm feeling really good. I'm not too nervous,

I feel like I'm just going to keep my pace that I had in the heats

and hopefully that pays off and I can get up on the Power Tower tonight.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

BEN: There's no doubt about it. It's a new and improved Matt Filippi.

A grand finalist last year.

Can he book his place in 12 qualifying spots tonight

and go further?

BEC: The pressure's on for all our ninjas tonight.

(STARTING TONE) Here we go.

Semifinal two is underway.

Matt's straight through the Snake Run. No problems at all.

He's going to have to buckle up for this next one though,

the Rolling Log.

Now, it spins faster and faster down that eight metre run.

He's a surfer, so this will be a piece of cake.

This is just like riding a wave.

BEC: Looks like he's got a firm grip on the log.

Look how fast it spins.

Really makes our ninjas dizzy

and remember that can lead to problems.

BEN: He looks dazed.

It's taken it out of him.

Have a look at him. Get back up.

Up on his feet now.

Take your time! Go, Matty!

BEN: Bit of advice there from twin brother, Luke, and Dad.

I'm a bit worried for him here.

He looks out of sorts

and of these Diving Boards are tough.

Three steps, each gap getting bigger.

No room for error.

BEC: And look how narrow they are

and you've got to hit the middle of each board.

Not easy when you're dizzy.

BEN: He looks set now, here he goes. Matt Filippi. Yes!

Oh! No!

Oh, no! We've lost him!

We've lost him!

I hope he's OK because he smashed himself into the padding there

and that's a big shock for our first run of the night.

Upset.

BEN: Let's have a look at the replay.

I don't think he recovered from that Rolling Log.

He was all over the shop.

He overshot the first board,

came up short on the second

and massive drama as he face-planted at the end.

BEC: I think he's OK, Ben, but he obviously is gutted.

We thought Matt and go all the way this year

after being furthest fastest in his heat,

and is this an early warning for the rest of the ninjas tonight?

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

BEN: It's a shock early on

and our next ninja will be hoping he's got the experience

to take whatever's thrown at him.

BEC: He is a returning grand finalist

who has competed in every series of Australian Ninja Warrior.

In season two, he placed third overall

and after a bumpy ride in his heat,

tonight is out to book his spot in the grand final.

Welcome back, Alex Bigg!

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

ALEX: I'm stoked to be back for the semis.

For me, it's a chance at redemption.

I went into the heats

fully thinking I'd go up the wall.

BEC: Can he go all the way this year?

Oh!

ALEX: On my sideline,

I had my wife Amy, son Arlo, my dad and my best mate.

BEN: And right now, he's on the Bar Hop.

It was awesome having them on the sideline, especially Arlo.

He loves ninja.

Go, Dadda.

I obviously expected to do a lot better.

BEN: Oh, look at poor little Arlo.

BEC: Oh, no. Arlo, darling.

He was devo when I fell in.

He was absolutely gutted.

It's impossible to say how much he loves ninja.

He's just grown up with it.

So, coming into the semis, Arlo told me...

ALEX: What?

That's a bit savage, isn't it? (LAUGHS)

Do you still love me?

OK.

For me to get through tonight and hit that buzzer

means first of all, I'm allowed home.

Also, my ninja journey continues.

It's a chance to get that prize.

$400,000 would pay off our house.

For me, that means I could stay at home with Arlo every day

and watch him grow up.

Hey, buddy.

It's amazing. It really is life-changing.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

BEC: Wife, Amy, and baby, Arlo, couldn't be with us tonight

but good news, they join us via the big screen.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

Hey, Arlo!

We've got also Amy's sister there and Alex's dad.

Hi, guys!

Are you ready to cheer on Alex?

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

Baby Arlo does not want Dad to fall in the water and neither do we.

(CHEERING)

(STARTING TONE)

SHANE: Alex Bigg.

Doing it for his family, doing it for himself, and he's away!

BEC: Here is obstacle one.

Not stopping for a break, straight onto the Rolling Log.

Locks his arms in, needs to have a solid grip here.

There'll be about ten rotations to hang on through.

Ooh, gee! This will be...

Ooh, he wants to find the mat quickly.

I reckon he looked like he was just about to come off there.

Safe. Thumbs up to the family.

BEN: We're now onto the Diving Boards.

We've just seen, if you're not ready for them, they'll trip you up.

Alex needs a clear head.

BEC: Oh, and he's not looking happy.

His footwork has to be perfect.

(CHEERING)

BEN: OK, Alex Bigg has a crack now at the Diving Boards.

BEC: Oh! BEN: No issue.

BEC: No issue there but a little bit dodgy on the last one,

but he finds the safety of the mat.

BEN: We now have a brand-new obstacle. Never before seen.

It's called the Ring Turn

and they might look like fun but these are upper body killers.

He's up on that first ring.

Look at him feed it through his hands to lock it into place.

He needs to then swing onto the second and do the same.

And every moment he's up there, his arms are on fire.

Now, he'll lock this one into place

and then he starts the swing to the third.

It's even smaller and harder to reach.

Good technique, using the legs to increase the momentum and he...

Grabs it. Oh, very nice.

Big strong man, he continues on and the family are up and about.

BEC: But he is hurting, Crawf, he's hurting.

Coming up to the Sling Shot now.

Another obstacle back to back

that will test your upper body strength.

BEN: And Bec, Alex's got lots of that

but these seven laches are going to test him to the max.

Here he goes. Onto the first cradle.

All good, getting used to the bounce of the bungee

and then he switches one hand under, one hand over,

that's the mixed grip

which will give him more control over the bar.

BEC: Ready for the first lache.

You've got to go up...

Oh, he's got the cradle! Oh!

(BUZZER) Then you go down

and Alex Bigg, a season two grand finalist comes unstuck

on the Sling Shot.

BEN: Alex started well, he was driving his hips high

to get momentum for the lache

but I think that arm-fatigue caught up with him

and he's clipped the cradle on the way up.

Big trouble for the big ninja.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

Alex, there we go. There's a towel.

Shane, thanks, mate. Bad luck.

It's a very tough course.

The Sling Shot, eh?

Mate, I've had struggles with the Bar Hop.

So, chuck some bungees in there and I'm pretty much screwed, eh?

You've got wonderful support at home.

Arlo, sorry I got wet. Can I still come home?

BEC: Oh, baby Arlo says, "You can still come home, Daddy."

But first, Alex has a very nervous wait

to see if he has gone far enough fast enough

to make it to the top 12 tonight.

BEN: This course already proving to be a real challenge.

That's two former grand finalists in the pool

on the first five obstacles.

BEC: Certainly food for thought for our next ninja.

She made the semifinals last year and this time,

she's hoping to go one further.

BEN: Yeah, she just scraped through

to the semis in 16th place.

A seasoned rock climber,

she suffered a scare in the heats

with surprise grip strength fail.

Hoping not to make the same mistake tonight.

Give it up for Rafaela Wiget.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING) Come on, Raph!

BEN: Raphaela!

SHANE: Rock-climbing is her ability

and these doorknobs... I hope so.

..they're massive rocks.

Oh! Oh, wow!

(BUZZER)

RAFAELA: I was pretty disappointed.

I dropped on an obstacle

that really should've played to my strength.

I just need to train a little harder, I guess.

I need some more grip strength,

so you guessed it, more climbing. (LAUGHS)

I climb almost every day.

So, that's a lot of grip strength training.

I'm hoping that it's going to get me through to the grand finals.

I really need to finish the course tonight

and there's a lot of strong ninjas.

Bryson Klein,

Ben Polson,

Liv, the weapon.

So, you can't just have the fastest time through certain obstacle,

you need to do all of them really fast. (LAUGHS)

So, I've been in the semifinals before

but yeah, I've got the experience.

Now, it's going to be grand final for sure.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

BEC: Rafaela Wiget.

That smile has been replaced by her game face.

She means business tonight.

Can she book her place...

(STARTING TONE) ..in the grand final?

Rafaela is on her way.

The Snake Run, got to have speed, got to have momentum and well done.

Don't worry about the last one. Just jump.

BEN: She's got a great track record.

One of seven women to make it into the semifinals last year.

Here she is again.

Ready to go all the way.

Come on. Lock those legs!

BEC: Boyfriend and fellow rock climber, William,

is on the sidelines cheering her on.

BEN: She's only 160 cm tall.

It's a real stretch to wrap the arms and legs around the Rolling Log

and get a good grip.

She's holding on tight. Swinging.

That hair going everywhere

and she's there. Oh! Well done!

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING) BEC: Oh, dear me.

BEC: That fling. BEN: Throwing her round.

So violent towards the end but she's nailed it.

Come on, Raph!

BEN: Now, she's got to reset herself, Bec,

and I'll tell you something about Rafaela Wiget.

She's six kilograms heavier than she was last time.

She's deliberately put on a few kilos...

Mmm, same. Me too.

(LAUGHTER)

..to gain a bit of extra strength.

Now, she's got to go straight onto the Diving Boards.

It's all about balance here.

But she'll be dizzy.

Just taking time to make sure she's ready.

We saw Matt Filippi pay the price for not clearing his head fully.

She does not want the same thing to happen.

BEN: And she's off. One, two, three!

Oh! Oh!

One foot's still on the pad.

Big save! Slams her chest!

She really hit her chest hard then, Ben.

But she is through and she's happy about it.

Three down for Rafaela.

BEN: This is a big one, Bec.

It is a big obstacle.

It's the all-new Ring Turn.

It's all about upper body and grip strength.

And this is going to test

whether she's worked out the kinks from her heat.

Oh, yes, you can use your legs and she's got great technique here.

BEN: Well, I think she's using the legs there

to rest her arms a little bit, using her climbing experience.

That's it!

BEC: There. She's getting the momentum now.

The higher she can pull herself up,

the more she'll going to close the gap between the rings.

You've got this, girl!

BEC: The crowd getting behind her.

BEN: Here she goes.

BEN: Oh, yes! BEC: OK, this is messy.

It ain't pretty but it seems to be working.

BEN: Yeah, she's fighting her way through here.

Resting her arms, ready for the next ring.

BEC: Needs to lock that ring into place.

There! She's got it.

Yeah! Kick it out.

BEN: This is taking it out of her, Bec,

but how's this for determination?

She's not going to give up doing everything she can

to get onto that third ring.

BEC: Ben, she needs to generate a massive swing

to reach the last ring.

Drive those hips up, Rafaela, kick those legs, here she goes.

Oh, no! She's missed it.

BEN: She's in real trouble.

Here she'll go again, it's do or die.

She's got to land this one.

BEN: She's got it! BEC: Whoa!

Yes!

BEN: Rafaela Wiget!

Makes the landing. (APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

You've got to feel for her.

She had a lot of time on the Ring Turn,

so the arms would be on fire.

BEC: I'm going to rename this one the 'Ring Burn'.

Shake those arms out, Rafaela.

BEN: And now the Sling Shot.

This is a nightmare obstacle.

We saw it last night

and after all that time on the Ring Turn,

this is going to be a huge challenge.

BEC: Still trying to get some feeling back in those arms.

Shake it out, shake it out.

BEN: She's got the skill set as a climber to be able to do it.

But has she got the endurance to make seven laches back-to-back?

BEC: OK, she's getting into the zone now.

She wants this.

Here she goes.

Oh!

Oh, no!

It's happened again.

I can't believe it.

Oh, courageous effort from Rafaela

but that Ring Turn took its toll

and she just couldn't get onto that Sling Shot.

You did so well, Raph! Good one.

Can I just say it was very graceful the way that you ended.

Oh, my god. My back hurts so much.

Seriously, it's going to be, like, a massive red mark.

But can I just say, watching you go and your determination is inspiring.

Yeah! I mean, you have to give it everything when you're here,

don't you?

And take us through the Sling Shot.

RAFAELA: It's definitely something I need to work on.

I really should've jumped and caught it with a mixed grip

but I'm not used to using mixed grip

and it's not really what I'm comfortable with,

so I tried to do the overhand like I normally am,

but yeah, obviously just span out of my hands.

Well done tonight. One of eight women into the semifinal.

Inspirational stuff. Good on you.

Thanks heaps. Thanks.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

BEC: Yes, Crawf. Well done, Rafaela.

Will that be enough though to make it into the grand final?

We'll find out later.

Coming up, it's the second semifinal,

the last shot for a spot in our series grand final

and the competition has reached new heights.

There's definitely no time to rest.

BEN: Last year's winner, Charlie Robbins, is here...

CHARLIE: There's so many people that can have a good night

and crush anyone, really.

BEN: armed with a ten second time advantage.

BEC: But two-time grand finalist, Bryson Klein, is hot on his heels.

BRYSON: Charlie has that time advantage.

My goal is to win it.

BEC: And one of the most successful female ninjas of all time.

(SCREAMS) BEC: Olivia Vivian!

I am one step closer to my goal.

BEC: Olivia Vivian will step up to the gate.

BEN: Plus, the two furthest fastest of the night

will go head-to-head

on the dangerous semifinals Power Tower

for a game-changing advantage.

If they make a mistake in the grand final,

they get to run the course again;

a prize worth fighting for

in their quest to conquer Mount Midoriyama.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

BEC: Welcome back to the Australian Ninja Warrior semifinal

here in Melbourne

where our ninjas are chasing a spot in our series grand final.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

BEN: Next to stake her claim

is the shortest and lightest ninja in the semifinals.

This circus performer defied the odds in her heat

and tonight, she's here to show

the best things really do come in small packages.

Skye Haddy!

SKYE: Getting through to the semifinals

means absolutely everything to me.

Since the heats, I've gone back home, I've been back to work.

Go, go, go, go, go!

Good girl!

Whoo-hoo!

I am a coach for gymnastics and acrobatics.

That's better.

I have a little group of little mini ninja warriors

that I train that absolutely love it.

You got it.

Easy peasy.

My inspiration to conquer the course

is to show all of the kids that I teach...

..it doesn't matter how tall you are or what your background is,

you can accomplish anything you put your mind to.

Yeah!

It's all determination and hard work.

Oh! (LAUGHS) Good job!

I may be the shortest and the lightest competitor

going into the semifinals

but I'm going to blow this course sky-high.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

BEC: Well, Skye grabbed the last qualifying spot

in her heat. Will she be able to step up

on this bigger, tougher semifinal course?

You got it!

BEC: That's sister, Jade, and mum, Karen, right there.

Just 153 cm tall and 49 kg.

She's a real pocket rocket.

One of eight women into the semifinals this year.

BEN: There'd be some rides at Movie World

they wouldn't let her on.

But she's about to take off now. Skye Haddy.

(STARTING TONE)

She's underway.

Careful! Careful!

BEC: Oh, just makes it.

Come on, Skye!

Close call.

Breathe!

Squeeze your legs and breathe!

BEN: Now, how will she go here? She's a lightweight.

This might knock her around a bit.

BEC: She is going to find it very difficult on the Rolling Log

because I don't think her arms are even meeting.

Oh, she's coming off, she's coming off, she's coming!

Oh, no!

And she is in the pool.

Good job, Skye!

Well done, baby!

BEN: That's rough for Skye Haddy.

She never quite managed to get a firm grip on the log

and as it got faster and faster, it was like a bucking bronco.

Just flipped her into the pool.

Good job.

I'll just have to grow some longer arms for next year. (LAUGHS)

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

BEC: All smiles for Skye.

She's done really well to make the semifinals this year

and I'm sure she'll be back more determined than ever next time.

Right now, Crawf is down in the warm-up gym

with one of the returning favourites

from all three seasons of Australian Ninja Warrior.

Who have you got there, Crawf?

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

Thanks, guys. Here with Olivia Vivian

who is an absolute superstar.

Firstly, your heat.

There was a couple of big falls. How are you?

Look, yeah.

The neck and the head were definitely a bit sore the next day

but ultimately I was stoked to be on that platform.

SHANE: I know in your heat, you took your time

but semifinals, all systems go.

Absolutely. It's a loaded semifinals tonight,

a lot of strong competitors,

so the jets definitely have to be put on

if you want to make that top 12

but ultimately, I want that buzzer,

so I'm going to make sure I do everything I can to get there.

SHANE: Make sure you stay tuned.

Olivia Vivian coming up very, very soon.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING) BEN: We'll be watching, Crawf.

Can't wait.

Our next ninja made it through the heats

along with his best mate, Will Kelly,

and they remain locked in a bragging rights battle.

How's Jarryd Sutton going to go?

Yes!

(BEAT BOXING)

How are we standing?

Should we, like,

change up our stance

like the hands-on-hips look?

Like that?

BEN: And here he goes, Jarryd Sutton.

Yeah, I wasn't really thinking that much during my run.

BEC: Don't overthink it, just go on instinct.

Can't overthink if you can't think.

It's a fact.

FREDDIE FLINTOFF: Jarryd Sutton onto the Bar Hop.

BEC: Oh! (BUZZER)

JARRYD: In the heats, we fell on the same obstacle.

BEC: Oh!

I was first to it, so by the laws of furthest fastest,

I beat you in the first heat

and I'm going to beat you in the semis as well.

Go, Jarryd!

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING) Smash it out!

BEN: New to ninja and dabbing on the start gate,

Jarryd Sutton and his mate, Will Kelly.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

BEC: We've got a superstar line-up tonight.

Will Jarryd Sutton measure up? (STARTING TONE)

BEN: OK.

BEC: Jarryd Sutton provided a very entertaining run

in the heats.

What's he going to give us this time?

BEN: It was almost short and sweet on the Snake Run.

A bit of a bumpy start for Jarryd and now the Rolling Log.

He's got to get his grip sorted here.

He's hugging it tight. He's wrapping the legs round.

It's a slow swing early but now he's getting some real momentum.

Hold on tight!

Oh!

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

He's dragged it right to the end and he's made it.

Well done.

He nearly got squashed by it.

Yeah, he just had his leg just stuck under there for a moment.

Let's go. Take your time on this.

BEC: Oh, hurt his shoulder.

Hopefully, that's going to be OK.

However, after this obstacle,

he's got two obstacles that are all upper body,

so I'm now worried, actually, about that injury.

Diving Boards now.

Show them that SA rules.

BEN: Get down low and go, go, go!

BEC: Perfect!

That's exactly what he did.

He landed straight in the middle of each pad.

Onto the Ring Turn and let's hope that shoulder isn't troubling him

because he's going to need all the strength he's got here.

BEN: He's onto the first ring.

He looks OK so far.

Gets the legs up straight away.

That's a great technique he's got there,

even though it's the first time he's ever been on this,

and he's locked it in.

Good start.

BEC: And moving around now to the other side,

just working out how to reach up to that second ring.

It's harder to get the momentum with your legs looked up.

BEN: His upper body would be burning.

Now, he tries to get the swing happening up there.

BEC: Dust needs to prop himself up

to close that gap between the two rings.

Yes! Yeah, it's a good reach.

He's grabbed it.

Can he hold on?

Transfers both hands over to the second big ring.

And now, gets it in place, locked.

BEC: Both locked in now.

He'll want to get off here quickly

but that third smaller ring is a long way away.

BEN: He is plotting the course, a good sign.

It looks like he's not feeling any pain in that shoulder.

BEC: On to the second ring now and he's got those hips going,

lifting his knees nice and high, ready for the lache.

He's got a great swing, he's doing very, very well.

Oh, yes. Well done, Jarryd.

BEN: Look at this guy go.

Just the dismount now.

And he's through.

No problem for Jarryd.

Well, the crowd are starting to really get up.

They're right behind him. Now, for the Sling Shot.

BEN: OK, Jarryd. It's time to lift.

Show us what you've got.

Nobody's made it past this obstacle.

Can the 20-year-old from South Australia be the first?

And... over!

Good catch.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

BEN: That'll do his confidence good.

This next cradle is higher.

Starts the swing,

looking around to make sure everything's in the right place.

Now, he kicks!

Lands it!

BEC: Where has this guy come from?

Beautiful. Next one's a big drop.

BEN: That's right. Almost a metre, Crawf.

Here he goes!

Can he? No!

BEC: Oh, no, he's in the pool. (BUZZER)

He is in the pool.

A brave run from Jarryd though

but the Sling Shot gets the better of another ninja.

BEN: Jarryd had good form on the Sling Shot

but did exactly the same as Alex Bigg.

Take a look at how the bar isn't straight on the release.

He bangs it on the cradle

and that's a wrap on Jarryd Sutton's run.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

BEC: Let's hope best mate, Will, is taking notes.

He'll be on the course later tonight...

..along with a whole host of star-studded ninjas.

BEN: Including the power couple who went head-to-head in the heats.

There's only inches in this at the moment!

It was honestly a complete shock

that we both ended up on the Power Tower.

BEN: It's all coming down to this!

A big lache from Ben Polson, he makes it!

Scoring Ben and all important ten second time advantage.

I'm going to use it to get me all the way to Mount Midoriyama.

2020, let's do it.

BEC: But his first lady, Olivia Vivian,

has her sights set on the same prize.

I aim to be the first female in the world

to get up Mount Midoriyama.

BEC: Olivia Vivian will step up to the mark next.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

BEN: Welcome back to the Australian at Ninja Warrior semifinals

where tonight's expanded course mixes classic obstacles

with some brand-new, never-before-seen challenges.

BEC: While you were away, three more ninjas

fought for a coveted place in our series grand final.

Off she goes, on the Snake Run.

BEN: Powerhouse mum, Mel Armstrong,

came out swinging

but the dreaded Rolling Log came out on top.

(BUZZER) Mel Armstrong,

she's done well to get all the way to the semifinal.

BEC: Dungeons and Dragons fan,

Jake Baker, mastered the Ring Turn.

SHANE: He's done that very well.

BEC: But he lost some magic

and it was game over on the Sling Shot.

BEN: Oh! BEC: Oh, no!

Let's go, folks! Yeah!

BEC: And Jarryd's best mate,

Will Kelly, took to the course.

SHANE: Hold on tight.

Don't fall in now!

BEC: And guess what?

It was a case of history repeating

as he came off at the same obstacle as his best buddy, Jarryd.

BEN: Tonight, no one's completed the Sling Shot.

BEC: Well, that could change, Ben, because on course now

is the only woman to beat the Warped Wall in the heats.

She then just lost out on the Power Tower

to partner, Ben Polson.

A true ninja star, it is Olivia Vivian.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING) Come on, you got it!

Oh, the heats course.

BEN: Olivia Vivian!

She took all the time in the world!

Oh!

OLIVIA: Hands down, I think it's the hardest course I've ever done.

Being the top ranked female in the last two seasons

has definitely put a bit of expectation

and pressure on the shoulder.

Especially after my heartbreak last year,

going down in stage one of the grand final.

I felt that expectation

and I didn't quite step up to the plate.

I was crushed, I was devastated.

I'll be really honest with you.

Going into the semis,

it's definitely been a physical and mental battle to get here.

I am feeling quite worn out.

The pressure is on tonight.

But regardless, I will do everything I can

to make sure I'm fully focused and don't overlook anything

'cause that's when mistakes happen.

This is just one more buzzer, one more step to my ultimate goal.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

I just love this woman.

One of the greats when it comes to Australian Ninja Warrior.

BEC: So much expected of her every time she takes to the course.

We saw a little bit of that in the heats

and it's only going to get more intense here.

BEN: And you get the feeling she's going to have to dig deep

on this course tonight, Bec.

(STARTING TONE)

BEC: Well, she said she was feeling the expectation and pressure,

and we know she's always focused

but I have to say, she looks a little stressed.

BEN: As does Ben Polson.

BEC: But she needs to put all that behind her

and focus on this obstacle, the Rolling Log.

Lock it in, hold on tight!

Wrap your legs around!

BEC: Here she goes. Hang on tight.

Oh, no!

BEN: Oh, is she going to come off?

She's made it!

BEC: What did we just witness?

You're all good! You're all good!

BEN: There was only centimetres

between Olivia Vivian's feet and the water.

An absolute miracle that she didn't come off.

What a scare.

She looks dizzy.

This has got to rattle her, Bec.

BEC: Not the start she was after.

But she needs to block everything out

and concentrate on one obstacle at a time.

Especially, Ben, when the next one is the Diving Boards.

When you're ready.

BEC: Really needs to focus here.

One wrong step and her season is over.

BEN: Oh, that didn't look great but she gets through.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

Now, she's got obstacle number four, the Ring Turn.

This is tough.

This is probably the most tense moment we've experienced

on Australian Ninja Warrior.

It's all on the line for Olivia Vivian.

BEN: She's not at her best

but this is when real champions step up.

She's on the first ring.

And a perfect technique to rest those arms

and try and get herself locked in and heading towards the second ring.

OK, get to the other side.

BEN: She's not looking entirely comfortable up there at the moment.

She seems to be second-guessing herself.

Now, she'll go for the reach, misses it.

SHANE (WHISPERS): She's trying to reach, she's trying to reach.

She's swinging those legs. Come on.

Come on, reach.

That's it, relax, relax.

(AUDIENCE GASPS) BEN: Another reach and another miss.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING) Finally, makes that second ring.

She seems to be wrestling with it a bit, she's got to lock it in place.

Alright. Reset.

You've got this. Reset.

She's doing very, very well.

Lock it in. Lock it in.

BEN: There it is.

BEC: Oh, she needs to untangle herself from that first ring though.

Get onto the second and get that swing going.

Goes for the third ring. Oh, comes up short!

Yes! She does it.

And she is down.

BEN: That's gutsy stuff from Olivia. (APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

Four down but the Sling Shot next.

She's just been told to catch her breath.

Ben Polson, partner,

superstar when it comes to Australian Ninja Warrior,

saying, "Take your time."

BEC: Yep, taking a moment.

Resting her whole body.

Those arms would be hurting and this is so tense.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

You can definitely complete this.

BEN: "You can definitely complete this."

That's the advice from the sideline from Ben Polson,

which is a signal that she is having doubts at the moment.

Get in the mindset. Let's go.

Big jump on the tramp, don't under-do the jump.

BEC: This is a really big moment for Olivia.

So far, no one has made it through the Sling Shot.

Can she find her form and be the first?

BEN POLSON: Come on. BEC: We know she's got it in her.

BEN POLSON: Big jump.

SHANE: Up she goes. Beautiful.

BEC: Yes! OK, she's looking good.

BEN: Well done, Olivia.

Now, the first jump.

She gets it!

The next one's higher. She'll need to go up.

Yes! (APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

BEC: Now, this is a tough one, Ben.

It's a one metre drop down.

Yes! Got it!

That's it! Just keep moving.

BEN: This is tense but this is the Olivia Vivian we know and love.

BEN POLSON: Keep moving! A couple more!

BEN: Ready for the next lache.

Makes it! Last one! One more!

"One more", says Ben. Can she do it?

Yes, she's got another one!

Just the dismount to come.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING) BEC: She's done it!

Olivia Vivian has done it!

She's gone further than any other ninja tonight!

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

BEN: Olivia Vivian conquers her fears and says,

"Bring on the rest of this semifinal course!"

AUDIENCE (CHANTING): Beat that wall! Beat that wall!

BEN: She had a rough start.

There was something not quite right early.

But she's managed to compose herself

just before the Sling Shot and I reckon she's back.

AUDIENCE (CHANTING): Beat the wall!

BEN: Can she go all the way?

SHANE: What a warrior she is. Here we go.

Up that wall, up that wall.

BEN: Olivia Vivian!

BEC: No, no, no! Don't do it!

BEN: She goes the backflip. BEC: Oh, my goodness!

Of course she does! She always delivers, Olivia Vivian!

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

She blows a kiss to Rebecca Maddern...

Oh, gosh!

..adjusts the ponytail and the entertainer is back.

She's looking really focused now.

She wants that grand final spot.

Go, Olivia! You've got this!

Come on! Big jump!

Yeah, that's right!

BEN: Three obstacles remaining, starting with the Barrel Roll.

BEC: An extraordinary run from an amazing athlete

but now she needs to zero in again.

It's a 2.9 m jump onto the first barrel.

Here she goes.

She did it! She did it perfectly!

BEN: Look at the momentum she's got going.

She's pushing here.

BEC: She's going to go over the second barrel.

Yes, Olivia! Oh, yes!

Yes!

Like superglue, those hands attach themselves

to the handle on the second barrel.

That's it. Make sure of this.

BEN: One more big swing.

BEN: Here she goes! She's up! BEC: Oh!

BEN: Oh! Ouch!

That is a really ugly landing.

She's landed right on her tailbone.

You right? Are you OK?

BEN: I'm worried here, Bec.

BEC: Remember, she had that big fall in the heats

and now, it's happened again.

GIRL: Go, Olivia! You've got this!

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING) BEN: She's OK.

Back on her feet, Olivia Vivian.

That would have really taken it out of her.

She now composes herself for the Spider Jump

and this is the obstacle that brought her unstuck last year.

What's going through her mind this very moment?

That's it, you've got this.

BEC: OK, let's all pause just to get behind this amazing fighter.

This is her moment of truth.

BEN: Here we go!

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

BEC: Yes! Sticks it!

Oh, the left foot!

BEN: The timing wasn't perfect but she managed to pull it off.

Look at her go! Olivia Vivian!

We are witnessing something so special right here.

Awesome!

BEN: After an incredible eight minutes and 53 seconds,

she finds herself at the Invisible Ladder.

BEC: This has been an unbelievable effort from Olivia,

an absolute battle from the Rolling Log onwards

but she's made it.

Shake it out, take the time you need.

Olivia Vivian, this is the ninth and final obstacle

of the semifinals.

You can do it.

BEN: The clock is about to hit double digits.

It's about to hit ten minutes.

Extraordinary. She's been on this semifinal

obstacle course for almost ten minutes.

BEC: She must be exhausted, Ben.

That's it, come on!

BEN: I hope you're enjoying

every single second of this, Australia.

BEC: History could be made here.

Can Olivia make her third grand final?

BEN: And here she goes.

Olivia Vivian starts her ascent up the Invisible Ladder.

She pumps those arms.

BEC: Here she goes! Climbing, climbing, climbing!

Some may have questioned Olivia Vivian.

But never question the star of Australian Ninja Warrior.

Get those legs up!

SHANE: She's driving those arms, she's got the legs up!

She's going to do it!

BEC: She is, Crawf! She is!

(HORN SOUNDS)

(SCREAMS) BEN: She does it!

Olivia Vivian hits the buzzer

after more than ten minutes

and everyone in this crowd was thinking,

"She's not going to be able to do it!"

"She's spent, she's done, she can't keep going!"

Well, guess what?

She had more in the tank!

(SCREAMS)

BEC: That is phenomenal!

Olivia Vivian, you absolute superstar!

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

That was one of the great moments of Australian Ninja Warrior.

She was tired, she wasn't in good form

and she was battling a lack of confidence,

and she was up against a monster of an obstacle course.

But she showed true grit and the heart of a champion

to find a way through

and she's the first ninja to complete this course.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING) Olivia. Oh, my goodness.

That was out of this world.

How are you feeling?

Fully pumped, fully pumped.

Look, I was standing before that Sling Shot

and I knew I could either jump on straight away and go for time

or I could rest and go for completion.

I wanted to do that again.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

That felt so good.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

I am going all the buzzers this season, you know,

so wish me luck.

We wish you all the very best.

You're an absolute inspiration.

Well done

and great coaching, Ben. Good on you, mate.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

BEC: I am still in awe of what we've just seen.

Olivia Vivian on top of the world

after that amazing run.

Her boyfriend, Ben Polson, he's got it all to come

when he steps on to the Ninja Warrior course soon,

along with a host of superstar names.

Like series one furthest fastest, Fred Dorrington.

I need to up it and clinch that title

of the first Australian Ninja Warrior.

BEN: And the young gun who represented our country

in Ninja Warrior's 'Australia versus The World'.

Oi, oi, oi!

BEN: Bryson Klein is chasing the glory.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

BEC: You're watching the semifinals of Australian Ninja Warrior

and during the ad break,

it was both heroics and heartbreak for a host of ninjas.

Yoga instructor, Rhys Menzel,

was gunning for speed.

SHANE: Hang on, Rhys!

BEC: But he didn't centre himself enough

and it was all over on the Diving Boards.

Oh, he's gone! Oh, no!

(BUZZER)

BEN: Ex-NRL star, Eloni Vunakece,

was back...

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING) Go, Daddy!

..and stormed through the course...

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

..until the Sling Shot snared another victim.

BEC: 20-year-old med student,

Rhys Landwehr,

looked destined for full marks early on.

BEN: Here we go! The crowd starts to roar.

BEC: But once again, it was heartbreak on the Sling Shot.

I saw my face coming towards that mat and I was like,

"At least I get to kiss something tonight."

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING) BEN: OK.

Hoping to go one better is a ninja veteran.

Original furthest fastest in series one.

Consistent grand finalist,

he's looking to go all the way

and be the first to scale Mount Midoriyama.

BEC: It's our speed climber, Fred Dorrington.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

BEN: He's a real favourite on Ninja Warrior.

He had a rough year being sick last year

but this time, he's in the best form he's ever been.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

I like Fred's outfit and I like his socks.

He's got beautiful socks.

Flamingos.

Who doesn't love a flamingo?

BEN: Mate, he's a real style icon.

Let's go, Fred.

BEC: Speaking of style icons,

training buddy, Ryan, on the sidelines,

also rocking the Fred Dorrington kangaroo.

Here we go.

(STARTING TONE) SHANE: Here goes Fred

in his flamingos socks.

BEN: He's through the Snake Run.

Now, the Rolling Log.

He faced this in the semifinals last year.

Hold on, Fred.

SHANE: Hold on tight.

And now, he's going to spin himself down the track.

BEN: It's starting to throw him around a bit!

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

He hangs on.

Perfect!

BEN: He's got to be dizzy.

BEC: Got to be dizzy.

Yeah, there he goes, spinning himself round the other way.

Apparently, that really does work.

Just taking a moment

before the balance is put to the test on those Diving Boards.

BEN: Lining them up

and here comes Fred Dorrington.

BEC: Oh!

BEN: He nails himself!

Another one struggling with that final board.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

BEC: Not fazed though.

He is onto the Ring Turn

and I think Fred Dorrington is going for speed tonight.

This is all you.

BEN: He wants to be on the Power Tower.

Locks in that first ring.

BEC: God. BEN: Turns himself around now.

Getting the swing going.

He'll try and grab the second ring, he does!

He's going at a record pace.

He's doing well.

Look, he's just using the arms to swing it around,

he's going to lock it in.

BEC: Yes, Fred.

SHANE: And he's going to head towards the third ring.

BEN: Now, this is a new technique.

He seems to be hanging onto that first ring,

maybe he wants to use it to get the momentum happening.

He's got to reach out and grab the third.

And he nails it!

BEC: It is a perfect landing

and that was the best form we've seen on the Ring Turn tonight.

That will conserve some energy.

BEN: So far, so good.

The first four obstacles are done.

But he's going to need some more energy.

BEC: Fred Dorrington in the green and gold,

just taking a little more time here before the first leap.

No problem! Yeah, beautiful.

Just like that.

BEN: Experience shows.

Look at him checking out every part of the obstacle

but he surely must be tired by now.

BEC: Kicks the hips, the legs, ready for the drop.

BEN: And that's the scariest out of the lot.

Then again, on this one, you've got to lift.

BEN: Yes! Yes! Awesome. Keep it up.

BEN: He's looking good, he's controlled and focused.

Straightens up the bar for the next lache.

He's got it!

You've got it. At least one more, mate.

SHANE: One more.

He's got this.

Get those legs swinging, push-up,

flick it, and he's done it there.

BEC: Now, just the dismount, Crawf.

And he's down.

BEN: Fred Dorrington, great effort.

He says, "Take that" to the Sling Shot.

Oh, he came up short!

There might be a bit of fatigue creeping in here.

You get three attempts.

AUDIENCE (CHANTING): Beat that wall!

And he's going to get there, so here we go.

Beat the wall! Up he goes! Right to the top!

There you go! (APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

The flamingo socks flick over the top and we're away.

BEC: Nice work, Fred Dorrington.

Three more obstacles to go.

I know! Sorry! It's tough!

He's, like, looking at us like we built the course.

It's not our fault, Fred. Sorry.

He should stop complaining, I reckon.

He's done six obstacles in under 03:40.

He's on course to take the lead from Olivia Vivian.

BEC: Just shaking out those arms

and that's a good idea

because Fred, it is time to meet the Barrel Roll.

BEN: Here we go, Fred Dorrington grabs that first barrel,

gets the swing going, looking for lots of momentum to the next one.

Here he goes for the release.

Right now, up and holding on.

Beautiful, well done!

BEN: He did it!

Locks himself in.

BEN: Come on, Fred!

This is where you need a bit of courage.

You need to back yourself in.

You just need to have belief that you're going to make it and land OK.

BEC: Whoa! Go, Fred.

Careful. Oh, that's an ugly landing.

We've seen Olivia Vivian landing heavily in the same spot

but Fred is back up quickly and ready for the Spider Jump.

Just get in nice and far.

BEN: Two obstacles to go.

Still shaking those arms.

He's looking a bit gassed.

Here we go. Fred Dorrington.

Oh, no! There's been a bit of a slip. Oh, Fred! Come on now!

He corrects it right now and Fred Dorrington,

a star of Ninja Warrior Australia

and the overseas versions of the program

is on track to post the fastest time of this second semifinal.

However, he's struggling here.

He's slowing down.

BEC: He is not looking good

which means I am now very worried about this Invisible Ladder.

You got it, mate. Easy.

It's just like doing 150 pull-ups. So easy.

BEN: Remember, Olivia Vivian finished in over ten minutes,

so Fred's got time on his side and that's just as well

because he seems to be fading a bit on the Spider Jump.

He's going to need to give this final obstacle everything.

SHANE: That took a lot out of him then.

Does he have enough to get up the Invisible Ladder?

One last really drive to that finish line.

Here he goes.

BEN: Fred Dorrington, gritting his teeth, dragging himself upwards.

This is the sign of a champion.

BEC: He is doing so well.

I thought before he started this,

he might not have enough gas in the tank

but it looks like Fred Dorrington is ready for season four.

Beautiful!

BEC: Throws the leg over, get rid of the rings

and put your hand on the buzzer.

(HORN SOUNDS)

"Thank you for coming!"

"I'm going through to the grand final!"

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

BEN: On a night where one ninja

has managed to get to the top of the Invisible Ladder,

Fred Dorrington has done it

and he's heading towards the semifinals Power Tower.

Whoo!

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING) BEN: Mission accomplished for Fred.

He was controlled, efficient

and accurate over the first part of the course

but he did have to dig deep

when the going got tough on the Spider Jump,

and put in a huge second effort to climb the Invisible Ladder.

He's booked himself a spot in his fourth grand final.

BEC: Congratulations to Fred.

He has taken one of 12 spots on offer tonight

in the series grand final

and as it stands,

he is in pole position

and headed for the Power Tower

to take on superstar, Olivia Vivian.

BEN: Talk about ninja royalty.

Will he hold onto the Power Tower spot?

We'll soon find out.

BEC: Stick around because the Titans are coming.

Bryson Klein!

I'll win when it counts.

BEN: He's done it!

Matthew Bowles!

I'm going to crush it like I always do.

BEC: Charlie Robbins!

I really want a shot on that Power Tower.

BEN: And Ben Polson is ready to stake his claim.

I was in the Power Tower in the heats

and I plan to be in the Power Tower tonight.

BEN: Fan favourite, Ben Polson,

will step up to the course after the break.

BEC: You won't want to miss it!

BEN: Tonight's top two furthest fastest ninjas

will face off on the all new Power Tower

for a game-changing advantage.

All thanks to Energizer.

(HORN SOUNDS)

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

Welcome back to semifinal two of Australian Ninja Warrior

where ninjas are facing up

to one of the toughest semifinal courses we've ever seen.

BEC: Even for the most seasoned of ninjas,

the all-new Ring Turn has caused fresh problems.

BEN: Like a high wire circus act.

While the Sling Shot continues to down some of the very best.

BEC: Two superstar ninjas have risen to the challenge,

trailblazer, Olivia Vivian, and ninja veteran, Fred Dorrington.

They've made it all the way to the buzzer

and lead the charge into the grand final.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

BEN: But coming to the course now is another ninja heavyweight

with experience under his belt.

He finished first in his heat,

then took on his partner, Olivia Vivian, on the Power Tower,

and with a ten second time advantage up his sleeve,

he has his sights set on the grand final.

He's Ben Polson.

BEN: So, to end up furthest fastest, grateful to come out on top.

BEN: He's done it!

You little ripper!

But going back on previous seasons,

I know that the heats has always been a pretty strong one for me.

BEN: Look at the focus.

Semifinals last year was my worst year by far.

BEN: He knows exactly what he needs to do.

BEC: Oh, no, Ben!

BEN: I didn't make it to the grand final.

BEC: That is a major shock in this competition.

It's almost like a party that I didn't get invited to...

..and my girlfriend was there, all my best friends were there

and I wasn't allowed in,

and now that I've felt those feelings,

I don't want to go back there.

Going into semifinals, I do have that time advantage

and going back to last year, that would've saved me.

It actually would have got me through to the grand final.

I've been training all year for this.

I'm ready for tonight.

I want to get invited to that awesome party

which is the Ninja Warrior grand final.

2020, let's do it.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

BEN: This is a really big moment for Ben Polson.

After the disappointment of last year,

it's all on the line now.

BEC: And blows her kiss to his girlfriend, Olivia.

What an interesting dynamic this is.

Partner, Olivia, currently sits in second place.

So, if Ben beats her time,

he'll take her spot on the Power Tower.

SHANE: Strap yourself in, everyone.

You're going to need to hold on for dear life.

(STARTING TONE) Ben Polson is ready to go.

BEN: Here we go. Ben Polson takes on the semifinals

of Ninja Warrior and he's moving quickly, Bec.

Certainly is.

Through obstacle one.

Grabbing onto obstacle number two.

BEN: Hanging on to the Rolling Log.

BEC: It wasn't a great year for Ben Polson last year.

He wants to make amends

and he does, in his back pocket tonight,

have that ten second advantage.

Alright. Make sure you're OK.

BEN: Yes, he beat Olivia this year in their heats on the Power Tower.

They were the two furthest fastest of that night

and scores a ten second time advantage right now.

He's gone some way to banishing the ghosts of last year

but this is his big moment now.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING) Through the Diving Boards.

Onto the Ring Turn.

BEC: Ben, I spoke to him backstage, he said he is fitter than last year.

He gives his fitness five out of five.

Very smart there, locking that hoop in.

BEN: We can already see the benefits of that huge wingspan

that Ben Polson has.

Our tallest ninja, six foot five.

Awesome.

BEN: He's locked in the second ring now.

And he's getting a swing going.

BEC: Ben, we expect big things, no pressure though.

BEN: Reaches for the third!

With those big arms, he makes it look easy.

There's the dismount.

Pretty to watch, Ben Polson.

BEC: Isn't he what?

Four obstacles down in under 01:25.

He is smashing Fred Dorrington's fastest time.

Now, the Sling Shot.

He's onto the bar, he's got the crossover grip,

one over, one under.

Now, let's have a look at the transition.

BEC: And he lands it.

See all that power that came from his hips there?

That is perfection on the Sling Shot.

Yes!

BEN: Now, he moves across onto the third bungee rope.

BEC: Nice!

BEN: He's carving up this course.

BEC: That is a dramatic drop down, isn't it?

BEN: Makes another one!

Come on, Ben!

Looking good!

BEN: This one's even higher!

Oh, hang on!

BEC: No, he's OK.

A little bit uneven with the landing but so far...

Last one.

BEN: He's been laser-focused through the Sling Shot.

Perfectly positioned.

BEC: Oh, no! BEN: Oh, right at the end!

BEC: Ben Polson is in the water. He almost had it!

He just let go!

BEN: He might have hurt himself here, Bec,

and Ben Polson's semifinals troubles continue.

Wow!

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

I know you'll be very disappointed.

The Sling Shot.

The Sling Shot. Yeah.

I mean, what can I say? It's um...

I guess, I, you know, underestimated it.

It's taken out a lot of people tonight.

We're going to have a look at the replay.

Take us through it.

Yeah, I guess people don't realise watching at home,

the bar does spin and it rotates.

That rotation really puts a lot of strain on your forearms

and I went to dismount

and unfortunately just didn't have the grip.

You know, I've come in here and year after year,

I feel like I am getting better.

But the course is also getting tougher.

The ego's hurt a little bit but I'll bounce back.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

BEC: Well, he said it. The course is definitely getting tougher

and you can just sense Ben's disappointment there.

But he doesn't have that ten second advantage.

Let's see how that affects

the leaderboard.

Well, the advantage

has come into play,

lifting superstar Ben Polson

from fifth into third spot,

dropping Alex Bigg down to fourth

and dungeon master, Jake Baker,

to round out the top five.

BEN: That leaves

an incredible showdown at the top.

As it stands,

series one furthest fastest,

Fred Dorrington, will be taking on

superstar, Olivia Vivian,

on the Power Tower.

It will be epic.

It's been a night of surprises,

so who else is going to be able to conquer this gruelling course?

BEC: Will it be young gun rock-climber, Bryson Klein?

To get through to the grand final is really, really important for me

because my goal is not to reach semifinals.

My goal is to win it all.

BEC: Or the free diver who was coined the one to watch,

now with a point to prove, Matthew Bowles.

MATTHEW: In the heats, I don't feel like I lived up to my best.

BEC: Oh, no! BEN: Oh, wow!

MATTHEW: Now, for the semis, I'm going to crush it.

BEC: Defending series three champion, Charlie Robbins,

has his sights set sky-high.

Definitely want to have a second shot on the Power Tower.

Having a second chance in the grand final

would be just priceless.

I want to take that one step closer to Mount Midoriyama.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

BEC: Welcome back to the second semifinal

of Australian Ninja Warrior here in Melbourne.

BEN: We're down to the business end of the night.

As it stands, ninja royalty, Olivia Vivian,

will be going head-to-head with three-time grand finalist,

Freddie Dorrington, on the Power Tower.

BEC: But we've got a ninja weapon in our midst

who could take all that away from them.

This two-time grand finalist

missed out by a whisker last season

to Charlie Robbins.

In the heats,

it was history repeating,

going down by less than a second

to Charlie again,

before also being pipped

on the Power Tower.

Tonight, he wants another shot

at that all new semifinals Power Tower.

It's rock climber, Bryson Klein.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

BEN: He's a ninja superstar.

Many to tip he'll take the title this year.

He's come so close in the past

and if he wants that spot on the Power Tower,

he'll have to beat Olivia Vivian's time.

She's in second.

She took her time on the course.

We know Bryson's quick

but this is a gruelling semifinal course.

(STARTING TONE) Here he goes.

The clock starts, the buzzer sounds and he rips in.

BEC: And that's his sister, Tess, on the sidelines.

And now, he's onto the Rolling Log.

Grip strength shouldn't be a problem here for the climber.

Holds on nice and tight and he's at the end.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

BEN: Looks a little dazed.

But there's a thumbs-up.

He's had 12 months of hard training

after being a runner-up in the grand final last year.

Will it pay off?

Now, he takes a jump on the Diving Boards.

All good, Bryson Klein.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

BEC: Started climbing when he was just six years of age,

so he will feel quite confident on the Ring Turn.

You'll see there he's just trying to lock it in up the top there.

There it goes, you can hear it clunk

and that's a nice sound to hear

when you're a ninja hanging upside down.

BEN: Onto the second ring.

Wraps the legs up, starts feeding it through his hands.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

Locks it into place.

Now, he's got the third, smaller ring to go.

He's dropped the body down to try and get a big swing happening

and get that reach.

BEC: Oh, just misses the grab

but has momentum to get it next round.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING) That's it!

BEN: He grabs the final ring, the dismount is good

and with just over 01:20 gone,

that's four obstacles done for Bryson Klein.

He's on target for the Power Tower.

But now, arguably the most challenging obstacle

on tonight's semifinal course.

We've only had two ninjas get past the Sling Shot all night.

He takes his shot at glory.

Perfect start.

Up and over, up and over.

Oh!

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

He really threw the legs on that one.

Really threw the legs, trying to readjust.

You can't take too long up here

otherwise it takes so much out of the body.

BEN: And now, he's got to go back up.

Big kick and lands it.

Perfect technique from Bryson Klein.

You've got it, you've got it.

BEN: This one has a considerable drop

which puts extra force on you on the way down.

He's strong though. Look at the focus.

And now you've got to go up again.

BEC: It just seems ridiculously difficult...

Got it. ..this obstacle.

He's a natural though, Bryson Klein.

BEC: He is a natural, look at the power coming from the hips.

BEN: Tends not to freak out in any situation

and it's hard to believe he's only 22.

BEC: Yes!

He'll just launch himself towards the Warped Wall.

And he does that.

BEC: And he's through the Sling Shot faster than any ninja so far.

SHANE: He's up! He's over!

He's in a hurry! We can't even keep up!

BEN: Up the wall goes Bryson Klein now.

Over the summit.

Six obstacles down in just over three minutes.

You've got it, Bryson!

BEN: He's not only beating Olivia,

he's annihilating Fred Dorrington's fastest time as well.

BEC: Wow! He is going to be the one to beat tonight.

BEN: Three obstacles remaining.

Now, look at the swing.

Bryson, does he have the momentum?

You bet! (APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

He had a bit of a pause there in mid-air, didn't he,

where he thought, "Hang on."

"Have I gone far enough to grab this handle?" He did.

BEC: And he'll probably have a little bit of a rest here, I'd say.

A shakeout of the right hand,

probably a shake out of the left hand as well

as he moves over to get the handle on the far right side of the barrel.

It'll then take him all the way down and then all the way up.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

And Bryson Klein has made it to the Spider Jump.

Yes, Bryson!

BEN: He knows he's got the time and he wants to get this right.

Now, just giving the body a bit of a rest.

These last couple of obstacles have taken their toll.

Two more to go.

Go, Bryson!

Bryson Klein is on the home stretch.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING) And he sticks the Spider Jump.

Starts the charge down the tunnel.

He's going to have to dig real deep here.

BEC: He's headed for a Power Tower position.

He could beat Fred's fastest time but he looks a little tired.

He's breathing hard

and that is no surprise on this course.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

Come on, Bryson!

It's tiring stuff. It really is.

BEC: We know that the Sling Shot and the Ring Turn

burn all of your energy but has he got any left?

BEN: Bryson Klein is assessing his energy levels.

Yeah, his arms are burning.

Use your body!

BEC: Bryson Klein, this is where your 12 months of training

will come to the fore.

BEN: Here comes Bryson Klein.

Arms pointed towards the sky.

BEC: Whoa, he's using his legs.

Yeah, this is smart, Bec.

He's using his legs to pull down the rope,

take pressure off the burning arms.

You've got this, Bryson!

BEC: You can see the pain on his face.

He's at five metres. Come on Bryson, you can do it!

BEN: This is a massive effort from Bryson Klein.

He's headed for the grand final.

He's headed for the Power Tower

and he's about to post the fastest time of the night by a mile!

(HORN SOUNDS)

Bam! Hits the buzzer! Bryson Klein!

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

And that is a tremendous semifinal run.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

BEC: Once again, Bryson shows why he's one of the very best.

A winning combination of speed and climbing technique

on the Ring Turn and the Sling Shot.

The course did catch up with him on the Invisible Ladder

but he had enough determination and strength to make it to the top.

BEN: How's he feeling out there, Crawf?

Bryson, well done.

Thank you very much.

Take us through the technique going up the Invisible Ladder?

Invisible ladder, it's a popular climbing technique called a Figure 4.

As long as you've got the grip strength to hold you up there,

it's a very good way to get your one hand very high

if you don't have anything to put your feet on.

So, I was way more gassed than I was expecting to be on that

at the end of that course, so I took advantage of my climbing background.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING) BEC: He's amazing.

Can Bryson get the redemption that he desperately wants

on that Power Tower tonight?

BEN: Well, speaking of redemption,

our next ninja has a real point to prove.

This Perth draughtsman rocketed out of the gates in his heat

but failed to hit the brakes on the Bar Hop

and just scraped into the semis.

Let's give it up for Matthew Bowles!

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

MATTHEW: I was super disappointed in the heats.

The word backstage was that I was the one to watch.

Who do you reckon's your main rivals?

Matt Bowles is an absolute beast.

I reckon Matty Bowles could be up there.

He normally goes really quick.

Matt Bowles.

He's the one that everybody is talking about.

If I was a betting man, that's who I'd put my money on.

BEC: It looks like he's going to do this fast.

Whoa! Oh, look at that!

MATTHEW: My biggest weakness would be the nerves,

the anxiousness of knowing that I can do well

and making little mistakes.

BEC: This is only the heats, let me remind you.

MATTHEW: I got to the one obstacle I should've gone slow for

and it all came undone.

BEC: Oh, no!

MATTHEW: It's good having people there to support me

but I feel like I kind of let them down, let myself down.

It's not what I wanted.

Since the heats, I've been diving to clear my head.

I've got over that anxious feeling and the nerves of the first time,

and I've been training harder than ever.

Ready to redeem myself.

I feel like no one's seen my strengths yet

and hopefully I can prove myself

amongst some of the most talented ninjas out there.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

BEN: Straight through his heat

in 16th, the final qualifying spot.

He knows he can't make another mistake.

Can he deliver on the big stage?

BEC: He could reap big rewards if he does.

To make the Power Tower,

he needs to beat Fred Dorrington's second-place time of 06:49.

Focus, Matt.

BEC: It is time... (STARTING TONE)

..for the real Matthew Bowles to step up.

Yes, yes, yes!

That's girlfriend and fellow ninja, Lilian, on the sideline,

and now onto the Rolling Log.

BEC: And this is the ninja

that all the other ninjas are scared of.

But the chit-chatter around this place

about Matthew Bowles,

he's got a big reputation to live up to.

Yeah, that's right.

It was during the heats when we were asking the ninjas

who they fancied, they kept on saying this name.

He's lucky to have this second chance.

Can he make the most of it?

He just floats across the Diving Boards.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING) BEC: There we go! Alright.

Well, maybe, just maybe, we're seeing what they saw in him.

He's looking good on this Ring Turn.

BEN: Yea, gives that ring a bit of a whack,

locks it into position.

Look at the back muscles on Matthew Bowles.

Go, Matty!

BEC: Alright, locking it into position.

SHANE: He's locked in, now he's got to start working

his way round the ring, grab the third one,

out he goes, he's got it.

Going to go for the dismount.

OK, now breathe.

BEC: And then he faces this one.

The Sling Shot.

This is one of the fastest starts we've seen on this semifinal course.

But keep in mind, Matthew Bowles splashed out

on the Bar Hop in the heats

and the Sling Shot makes the Bar Hop look like child's play.

It's his worst nightmare.

Eight bars all with strength-zapping elastic bungees.

Just imagine the pressure he's feeling now.

Here he goes. Oh, no!

I don't like that. He's got an uncomfortable situation.

But he straightens up the bar.

That could've been history repeating then.

BEC: Now, the second lache.

BEN: Matthew Bowles!

Hits it and sticks it.

The draughtsman from Perth.

SHANE: Absolutely loving this.

Oh! Oh, that was a close call!

BEC: He's making my heart race, that's for sure.

BEN: He's an entertainer, isn't he?

Look at the nerves on Lilian's face at the moment.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

BEC: He is nearly off. What's he going to do?

He's going to skip the last one. Makes the dismount.

Thank the lord, straight up!

SHANE: Look at him go!

Matthew Bowles, up and over, decides to do a bit of a somersault.

He's putting on a performance.

BEC: Six obstacles down in just over 02:30

and now he's got three more obstacles to go.

BEN: That just shows how fast he's going.

He can spend over a minute on each obstacle

and still make the Power Tower.

He's got to stay out of the water. That's what it's all about.

OK, Matt. Go.

BEN: OK, Matthew Bowles.

Let's leap, grabs a hold of that first barrel

and look at the swing that he's got.

BEC: Yes!

BEN: He's so flexible, Bec, and just look at him.

The upper body strength, he doesn't struggle whatsoever

as he makes his way to the top of this second barrel

and now, it's the swing down.

BEC: Whoo!

BEN: He's just got a natural skill and flexibility about him.

BEC: OK. So, now I'm understanding why all the ninjas fear this ninja

because he's pure natural talent.

BEN: Off the tramp onto the Spider Jump.

Three minutes inside Fred Dorrington's time.

He's going to grab that Power Tower spot.

But with just the Invisible Ladder to come,

can he catch Bryson Klein's fastest time at 05:40?

Wow!

Can you believe it?

He struggled in the heats

yet he's absolutely dominated tonight in the semifinal.

BEN: He'd better get a wriggle on, Crawf.

The Invisible Ladder's a huge ask after eight tough obstacles.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

He's doing to have to dig deep.

Now, he really punches those fists, he's moving his way up now, Bec.

BEC: But he's hurting and he is slowing down.

He's desperately trying to use his whole body to pull himself up,

trying the same technique Bryson used

but just can't master it.

BEN: Resting the legs over the arms

and just moving and shaking and doing everything in sight.

Can he do it?

SHANE: Keep going!

BEC: Oh, he's all in a tangle at the moment.

Can he get himself untangled and past level six?

BEN: He's almost at the top now.

Matthew Bowles, it's unconventional, it's ugly,

but guess what,

he's about to find his way to the top of the Invisible Ladder,

the buzzer's waiting for him

and this new talent is about to take top spot.

BEC: Matthew Bowles! (HORN SOUNDS)

BEN: He's redeemed himself! He's on the Power Tower!

Well, we wondered if Matthew Bowles could deliver on the big stage.

There's our answer! Phenomenal!

Whoo!

BEN: That was right out of the top drawer from Matthew Bowles.

We knew he was fast but tonight he matched that speed with control.

There was the technique, there was the power.

He's got it all and when he puts it all together, look out.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING) Well, now we know, Bec.

Now we know why all those ninjas during the heats

were saying Matthew Bowles, Matthew Bowles, Matthew Bowles.

He is incredible.

BEC: Absolutely

and with that quick time,

he is leading the charge

to the Power Tower at night's end,

knocking Fred Dorrington

out of the running and Bryson Klein

down into second place.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

BEN: But there's still

one last ninja set to run.

He was a new ninja last year and took out the title.

BEN AND BEC: Charlie Robbins!

BEN: This year in the heats, he broke the sound barrier.

Charlie!

BEN: Tonight, he's here with a ten second time advantage

and as always, his biggest fan, Grandad Taffy is in tow.

(HORN SOUNDS) Yes! Yes!

Charlie is always a champion as far as we are concerned.

He's destined to get up Mount Midoriyama.

Charlie can do it and he will do it.

BEN: Fresh off the golf green,

Charlie Robbins will be looking to hit a hole in one next.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

BEC: Welcome back to Australian Ninja Warrior

semifinal two.

As in the heats, tonight's two fastest ninjas

will fight it out on the incredible Power Tower

for an advantage; a second chance in the grand final.

BEN: The winner of the Power Tower

will take a huge step towards their ultimate goal,

Mount Midoriyama.

The Silent Assassin, Matthew Bowles, leads the way

and as it stands, he'll be joined on the Power Tower

by young gun, Bryson Klein.

But there's still one ninja left to run

and it's Bryson's nemesis.

Hold onto your golf hats,

we're about to witness something big.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

BEC: Overall fastest in any heat this series,

our reigning ninja champ

showed why he's still the one to beat

and with a critical time advantage up his sleeve,

Mount Midoriyama beckons.

Here he is, the golfer, Charlie Robbins!

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

OK, come on, mate.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

BEC: The winner of Australian Ninja Warrior for 2019...

BEC AND BEN: Charlie Robbins!

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

FREDDIE: Reigning champion, Charlie Robbins,

surprise package of season three.

BEC: Look at this Guy fly!

Well done, Charlie!

Yeah, I was pretty happy with the heat.

BEN: This is an incredible run!

Charlie Robbins hits the buzzer! Charlie!

It is the fastest time of the night!

48 seconds. I didn't realise it was that quick.

Yes, yes, yes, yes!

CHARLIE: Tonight, in the semifinals,

I'll be going just as hard as the heats

because I really want another shot on the Power Tower.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

Having a second chance in a grand final would be priceless.

I want to take that one step closer to Mount Midoriyama.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

Focus, mate.

Switch on.

BEN: Taffy was a big hit last year.

Charlie loves having him there on the sideline.

Just like he loves having him as his caddie on the golf course.

BEC: Now, Charlie has the ten second advantage up his sleeve

after winning the Power Tower in the heats

and that means ten seconds

will be taken off his finishing time tonight.

To find himself in a Power Tower position,

he needs to beat rival, Bryson Klein's time

who is in second at this point.

He'll be gunning for it, make no mistake about it.

(STARTING TONE) SHANE: Charlie Robbins is away.

You watch this.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

BEN: On the Snake Run, straight through.

BEC: Gee! He really stands out from the crowd.

Even after that first obstacle,

you can just see how confident and athletic he is.

BEN: Grabs a hold of the log.

It swings him and flings him and dings him onto the mat.

There you go. Well done, Charlie.

Unwind, mate. Unwind.

BEC: Just 21 years old, Charlie Robbins,

with all the pressure of being the defending champion

on those young shoulders.

Staring down the Diving Boards.

You've got this, Charlie.

BEN: So far this year, Charlie's looked in top form

but it only takes one mistake.

Here he goes.

Across the Diving Boards.

BEC: Onto obstacle four in just over 45 seconds.

He's trailing Bryson by just one second.

BEN: Yeah, it's anyone's game here.

We're with you, mate. We're with you!

Oh, Grandpa, Grandma, Mum and Dad.

They're saying, "We're with you, Charlie."

He locks it in. He's using those legs and here he goes.

Look at this. This is a champion in action.

BEN: Sure is, Crawf.

Season three's defending champion.

Showing everyone how it's done.

He's dominating this brand-new obstacle.

BEC: The Ring Turn, no problem for young Charlie.

BEN: 01:15 on the clock, Charlie Robbins locks it into place

and now he's got his sights set on ring number three.

Reaches, grabs it, he does it.

Focus! One at a time, mate!

BEC: He is looking good, Ben.

He is looking really good.

Now, the Sling Shot.

It's been a nightmare for all our ninjas tonight

and only four returning heroes have been able to make it through.

Good technique, technique.

"Good technique", Grandpa says. "Good technique."

Here we go.

BEC: OK. I'm just going to turn around

because I won't be able to cope

if Charlie Robbins doesn't make it through this obstacle.

Charlie has got the bar in his hand at the moment.

He's now making his way at record pace

through the bungee ropes.

The lower one is now in his midst.

He's got to go back up one, back up another one.

He kicks his knees up,

flings his hips up and makes that crucial movement.

BEC: Yes, Charlie. BEN: There's only one more to go

from Charlie Robbins. He is nearly at the end

and I'm going to celebrate like he's gone up Mount Midoriyama

if he gets through this obstacle tonight.

BEN: There you go! BEC: And he's done it!

Charlie Robbins!

BEN: He's done it. He's done the Sling Shot

and now, young Charlie Robbins, 21 years of age from Victoria.

BEC: Up you go, Charlie! BEN: Blitzes the Warped Wall.

Good on you, Charlie. Yeah, mate! Come on!

BEC: This is familiar territory

and on display right now is the best ninja in Australia.

BEN: Six obstacles down in about 02:45.

He's neck-and-neck with Bryson's time to this point.

Three obstacles left.

Taffy looks nervous.

Deep breath.

BEN: This is the Barrel Roll.

Perfect catch.

BEC: Big jump to the first barrel.

Needs the lache, looking good.

He'll go this time.

Locks on, doesn't even worry about the first handle,

straight to the second.

Then he goes to the unstable handle

and then Charlie Robbins will launch himself to safety.

BEN: Good landing.

Oh, yes!

BEN: This is where Bryson took his time.

What's Charlie going to do?

He sizes it up.

Doesn't wait around.

No problem, Bec.

BEC: Sticks it as he bolts his way through that tunnel there,

just a couple more metres and he'll be down.

Charlie is on track here to beat Bryson's time of 05:40.

I reckon he could even beat Matthew Bowles time of 05:15.

BEN: But have a look at him.

He looks ruined.

Has he peaked too early?

This is a marathon of a course.

Does he have enough left in that tank?

SHANE: It's such a demanding course.

It's taken everything out of Charlie

but does he have one more final effort?

Come on, mate.

BEC: I'm backing him, Crawf.

He knows that he's got to dig really deep

in this Invisible Ladder.

This is not child's play.

Up he goes.

He's on level three,

level four.

Three levels to go.

BEN: Here he comes. Charlie Robbins, on the second part of this big climb.

He suffers a slight stumble.

Does he have enough petrol left in the tank?

Come on, Charlie. It's all about pushing those arms.

BEC: Keep pushing. You can see the hole.

You're almost there.

Two metres to go, Charlie Robbins,

and you will get your hand on that buzzer.

Please!

BEN: I think he's going to be OK, Bec.

He's got the feet up on the top of the obstacle now...

(HORN SOUNDS) ..and Charlie Robbins,

the season three champion of Australian Ninja Warrior,

books his place into the grand final

and posts the fastest time of the night.

BEC: He's spent, he is done.

This course tonight is extraordinary...

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

..and it takes an extraordinary effort to beat it.

Precision, strength, skill, and plenty of speed.

Charlie Robbins showing exactly why he is the reigning champion.

He's the fastest tonight

and our scratch golfer is headed for the Power Tower.

What does Taffy think of that, Crawf?

That was very, very tough.

Can you explain how tough this course is?

Um, yeah, sneaky tough.

Like, when I first saw it,

I was like, "Oh, yeah, no, might be a bit tiring."

But that big ring toss gasses you a lot more than you think.

Now, I heard you from the other side of the pool,

yelling very loud and telling him what to do,

so you've done a bit of ninja-ing in your time?

Always. I've taught him everything he knows. (LAUGHS)

He's exceptional, isn't he?

Certainly is. He's just something special.

Can he go back-to-back?

Yes, he can.

That's it. Yes, he can.

Yes, he can. Good on you. Well done. (APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

BEN: I've got a feeling we'll see Charlie Robbins

go all the way this year,

especially if he can win on the Power Tower.

BEC: But first, let's take a look at who'll be joining him

in this year's grand final.

Rhys Landwehr finishes

in the final qualifying spot.

He's 12th

and dungeon master, Jake Baker,

ends the night in ninth.

While The Bigg Ninja, Alex Bigg

is eighth.

BEN: Ben Polson is thankful

for his time advantage

gained in the heats.

It's kept him in the hunt in seventh.

Partner, Olivia Vivian,

makes another grand final.

She's fifth.

BEC: At the top, Fred Dorrington

finishes fourth,

while in third, Bryson Klein

just misses out on the Power Tower.

BEN: And sitting at the top

of the leaderboard

as the night's two fastest ninjas,

Charlie Robbins and Matthew Bowles,

and here's the thing.

We could not have wished for a more explosive showdown

on the Power Tower.

Absolutely, Ben.

On the line for whoever hits the buzzer first,

a crucial advantage in the grand final.

If they fail in the grand final,

they get another chance to run the course.

BEN: Can you believe it? It's exciting. Stick around.

The Power Tower right after the break.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

BEN: Welcome back to the Australian Ninja Warrior semifinal.

Bec, you know what? It's come at the hour,

come at the Power Tower.

This is the Clash of the Titans.

Charlie Robbins and Matthew Bowles.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

Two of the very best young gun ninjas in the country head-to-head.

BEC: Ben, the stakes could not be higher right now.

Because the first ninja to hit that buzzer inside that Power Tower,

well, they go into the grand final

with a safety pass; that second-chance advantage.

BEN: That means if you make a mistake in the grand final,

you get to run the course again.

This is an Australian Ninja Warrior first,

a potentially decisive advantage on the road to Mount Midoriyama.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

BEC: But with a greater reward on offer,

we've made this Power Tower even tougher.

(STARTING TONE) BEN: The race begins with five steps,

each 1.5 metres high.

BEC: At the four-storey-high summit,

ninjas descend down the ropes

to then climb back up five bar-grips.

BEN: While the forearms and grip strength are burning,

the race continues as the ninjas traverse along the inverted cones.

BEC: Then it's a race across the moving unstable ladders

and a lache onto the platform to hit the buzzer.

(HORN SOUNDS) (APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

BEN: It may be the toughest Power Tower yet

but it comes with a massive reward.

Both ninjas are going to give it everything

as they battle it out, ninja versus ninja

for that second chance in the grand final.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

BEC: Let's get this underway.

The free diver

versus the scratch golfer.

Two of our brightest young stars.

Matthew Bowles

has the size advantage

which paid off for Zak Stolz

last night

but defending series three champ,

Charlie Robbins

definitely has the experience.

He has been here before

taking out the Power Tower in his heat.

BEN: This showdown will be epic.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

BEC: OK, Crawf, we are ready to roll!

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

The ninjas are ready. Charlie taking on Matthew.

This is a heavyweight bout.

Bring it on.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

BEN: The Power Tower challenge.

Matthew Bowles or Charlie Robbins?

(STARTING TONE) SHANE: And away they go!

Charlie's off to a flying start, just ahead of Matthew.

He's flying up to the top,

and now they're over and away they go.

BEC: Down the rope, almost at exactly the same time.

BEN: On the handles. One, two, three.

BEC: OK, there we go.

Charlie, first onto the cone.

Oh, no! It's spinning him around.

BEN: Charlie now on the second cone.

He's about to get on the monkey bar. No, Matthew Bowles is first.

Matthew Bowles is on the ladder first!

Here he goes! Can he beat the reigning champion?

BEN: Charlie's catching up!

He's making his way along the ladder!

Charlie's going to get there first! It's going to be Charlie!

No! Matthew Bowles was there!

Charlie! Oh, my goodness!

It's a diving finish and Charlie Robbins gets there!

BEN: What a race!

What a finish!

Congratulations, Charlie Robbins!

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

These two young superstars deliver an incredible race.

Look how close it is!

They were neck-and-neck

but Matthew had an air swing, missed one of the rungs,

Charlie took the lead, Matthew got first to the platform

but Charlie, look at it!

Just by a whisker.

And Charlie Robbins, still the one to beat.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

BEC: And he moves another step closer to Mount Midoriyama

by heading into the grand final with a second chance advantage.

Amazing stuff, Crawf.

Charlie, what a race up the Power Tower.

Yeah, that was pretty hectic.

I was stoked to have another shot at it

and I knew Matt can go so quick

as he went he just absolutely flew through the heats.

Unfortunately, came off

but I knew I was going to be up against it tonight.

But yeah, it was fun.

And it was pretty much a photo finish.

Yeah. (LAUGHS) Took a little bit of a dive.

I'm not sure how much that helped

but I thought it might help me get over the line.

Whether it did or not, yeah.

Now, you head forward into the grand final.

Second chance, it's a real advantage for you

and certainly going to help you maybe win again and go back-to-back.

Yeah, second chance is absolutely huge.

If you had told me coming into the season,

I wouldn't have had that, I wouldn't have believed you

but yeah, that's ridiculous. So, I'm really looking forward to it.

Well done. We wish you all the very best in the grand final

and let's hope you can go back-to-back.

Fingers crossed. Thank you.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

BEN: What about that as a finish?

Charlie Robbins has blitzed the Power Tower,

blitzed Matthew Bowles

and he heads into the grand final

with that crucial second-chance advantage.

And that wraps up our semifinals here on Australian Ninja Warrior,

which means there are just 24 ninjas left

and they go through to the crucial grand finals.

It is going to be epic.

Can't wait for your company with more Australian Ninja Warrior.

Good night!

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

BEN: Next week, it's the grand final stage one.

ZAK: Aiming to be super fast.

I'm going for total victory.

BEN: And for the first time ever, it's ninjas versus the clock.

Can they complete the course in time?

OLIVIA: It's a speed course. We are racing the clock.

The jets are definitely going to have to be put on.

BEN: The furthest fastest from all three series

are facing off once again

and they'll want to go all the way.

Get up Mount Midoriyama. That is the goal. That's the dream.

I really feel like I could do it this year.

Hopefully, this is just a stepping stone towards Mount Midoriyama.

BEN: Or could it be one of our power couple?

Ben Polson just scraped through this year.

BEC: Oh, no!

BEN: Can he overcome his demons?

BEN POLSON: It was deja vu.

It's not a nice position to be in.

But I'm here

and I'm not going to waste this opportunity.

BEN: Or could Olivia Vivian

be the first woman ever to make it to stage two?

My biggest goal tonight is to hit that buzzer.

To do that, I'm going to have to be fast.

No rest times tonight.

BEN: Then there's the new contenders.

They've got their work cut out for them

because last year's winner, Charlie Robbins...

Charlie flies!

..and a real contender for this year, Zak Stolz...

BEC: You have been phenomenal! (HORN SOUNDS)

BEN: Bam!

..both scored a make-good on the Power Tower.

(HORN SOUNDS)

BEN: If they fail the course, they'll get to run it all again.

But if they want to win, they'll have to get past this first.

Introducing our newest ninja killer, the Ferris wheel.

It might look like the funhouse but it's a house of horrors.

I don't want a ticket on that ride. No.

Time is of the essence and the equation is simple.

It's just you beat the clock

and get to the end of the course.

Go, go, go, go, go.

If you don't hit that buzzer in time,

there is no argument with that, you are out.

BEN: Make it through and they're one step closer to the mountain.

ZAK: No one's climbed that rope yet.

Even to have the opportunity to do it would be insane.

BEN: This is it!

The grand final of Australian Ninja Warrior!