All language subtitles for Australian.Ninja.Warrior.S06E09.WEBRip.9Now.en

LEILA: It all began with
150 of Australia's Ninja elite.

Now only
the best of the best remain.

And tonight's the night
we've all been waiting for,

the final showdown.

(CHEERING)

Welcome back to Sydney Olympic Park
for the monumental

conclusion of the 2022 Australian
Ninja Warrior grand final.

I'm Leila McKinnon.

And I'm Jim Courier.

And after last night's thrilling
grand final Stage one

head-to-head battles,
only 11 ninjas remain.

One of them will
go furthest fastest tonight

and take home that $100,000
guaranteed prize.

This is the pinnacle
of our ninjas' journey,

the night they come
face-to-face with Mount Midoriyama.

But to reach
the foot of the mountain,

they first must annihilate
another two gruelling Stages.

That's right, Leila, and tonight's
grand final begins with Stage Two

in which our ninjas must conquer
six new obstacles against the clock.

Following Stage Two, any ninjas who
haven't splashed out or timed out

will progress to Stage Three
where they'll encounter

a further five obstacles, each
one tougher than the one before.

Complete Stage Three and they come
face-to-face with Mount Midoriyama.

And it's a 20m rope climb
to its summit.

If a ninja conquers
Mount Midoriyama,

they will win
an unbelievable $200,000

and the title
of Australian Ninja Warrior 2022.

(MUSIC BUILDS TO CLIMAX)

It's going to be a massive night
of ninja action

so let's take a look at where it
all begins on the Stage Two course.

Tonight the ninjas will face

the toughest grand finals courses
ever with six gruelling obstacles,

some they have never seen before,
and a world first.

It all starts with
the Battering Ram.

Ninjas have to nail the catch
with their arms and hold on tight.

Any readjustment of the grip

could cause the Battering Ram
to roll and the ninja to fall.

A ninja world first is next.

It's Thread The Needle.

This requires control and precision.

Three floating bars
with rings on the end

must be threaded
onto small cradles.

But with each lache, the rings
get progressively smaller.

Too much of a backswing here
and it could be game over.

Obstacle three is the Barrel Roll.

It requires a powerful lache to make

the 2.8m
to the second barrel where they

have to transfer then drop to
swing off and over the wall.

Obstacle four's brand-new
to Australian Ninja Warrior.

It's the Air Surfer.

Ninjas lache down a series
of padded shelves

across three 1m gaps,

holding a 7kg surfboard
above their head.

This punishes the upper body

and the grip strength which they
will need for obstacle five.

Yes, the dreaded
Spin Hopper is back.

There are five red pills
for the ninjas to climb up

and the second and fourth pills
rotate.

Ninjas must make their way
across the central bar

and descend using
any of the four V-shaped pills.

All of which could spin and flip
a ninja into the water.

The final obstacle, another first
for Australian Ninja Warrior,

and we've saved the worst for last.

The Inverter is a board that ninjas

need to move along and rotate
to access a narrow ledge.

Then they need to work out the best
way to get to the second board which

also spins, before making their way
up a 4m rope to hit the buzzer.

(BUZZER BLARES)
And that's not all.

There's just 5 minutes 30 seconds
on the clock

to complete all six obstacles
and qualify for Stage Three.

Our grand finalists span five states

and include previous champions
Ben Polson and Zak Stolz.

But let's not forget three

unbelievable teenagers
are still on the attack tonight.

That's right, Jim, there is 25 years
between our youngest

to oldest ninja in the ultimate
battle of youth versus experience.

(CHEERING)

This is what we have been
waiting for.

It's the grand final
of Australian Ninja Warrior 2022.

Let's get our first ninja out.

And Perth, he's your hometown boy.

His performance on course
last night

not only earned
him a spot on tonight's course

but he won the hearts
of so many Australians

with his incredible fight
for the finish line.

Get behind him.

It's Daniel Watermann!

(CHEERING)

Coming this far in my first year,

being only 16, I don't even
have words to explain it.

Go!
Daniel, come on!

I feel like I shouldn't
really be here but here I am.

(BUZZER BLARES)

With seconds to spare.

In my grand final Stage One run,

I think I ended up beating Brodie
because on

the spring forward I just took a big
risk and it ended up paying off.

Did you see that?

The prize money tonight,
it would be absolutely insane.

I wouldn't know what to do
with it.

I'd probably have to palm
it off on my mum.

Too many temptations
for video games.

I want to go all the way to prove to
Australia that 16-year-olds have it.

I want to try and inspire
other 16-year-olds to get training.

And I want to show the older boys
what we've got.

(CHEERING)

He's the Send It ninja.

His cousin Matt on the sideline.

Go, Daniel.

Ready for this full send tonight.

(CHEERING)

Mum Megan and the family
cheering on all the way from WA.

He came out here,
a 16-year-old kid.

Megan, will he return
a Ninja Warrior?

Oh, we're all hoping so.
He's got it in him.

Well, to become a Ninja Warrior
he has to get to Mount Midoriyama.

Can the first teen on the course
be the first to get there?

That would be an Australian first.

OK, 5:30 on the countdown clock
for Daniel Watermann. This is it.

(STARTER BELL RINGS)

Here he goes.
Heading up to the Battering Ram.

Muscle your way across.

He's a lightweight, only 50kg...
He's laughing!

..but he's having a blast out here.

He's like a salmon
jumping out of the water.

(LAUGHS)

He is a very light ninja
but he's done it.

He's across the Battering Ram
and heading to Thread The Needle

where I think he'll be
a little more comfortable.

Yeah, you would think so.

His power to weight ratio is good.

He's the lightest ninja
in this grand final at 50kg

and we've seen in fly
on these kind of obstacles.

Yes. No trouble there.
He just looks so at ease up there.

And he's getting his swing on.

Lache across this 1.8m gap.
He's got to be precise.

Yes. That's two for two.

To make it three from three he
needs to be

even more precise
with these smaller rings.

And he's nailed it.
That's how you do it.

This teenager is something else.

And he just seems to make it
all look so easy.

Ooh! Style.
Whoa! The show man.

And just like that a 16-year-old

becomes the first ninja in the world
to conquer Thread The Needle.

CROWD (CHANTING): Send it!

Taking a moment,

joining in the chant
as he eyes off the Barrel Roll.

So, he's the lightest ninja
in this grand final.

At 168cm he's also the shortest.

Both those factors
make obstacle three a challenge.

He needs to generate enough momentum
to make this 2.8m lache.

Ooh, what a grab.
Can you believe it?

And he just hangs with one arm
to catch a little rest.

Yeah, this obstacle

threw a few unsuspecting ninjas
around last season.

He needs good body control to avoid
over-rotating in the air.

A little loose but he's safe.

Anything flying high might want
to have a flight attendant onboard.

That was amazing.
Very nice!

And Daniel is the first ninja
to tackle the Air Surfer.

And this one punishes
the upper body and the grip.

It's a heavy obstacle at 7kg
and you can't slide it,

you have to hop it.

But looking at the clock,
I'm a bit worried, Jim.

He's just got three minutes to

conquer three more obstacles
so he's done so well so far.

But this is gonna be a tough ask
and so is the clock.

Daniel looking up here
at the shelves which are padded

and can be both
a blessing and a curse

'cause the board
doesn't move all that easily.

Huge power from this youngster.
That's two for two.

No problem but he's closing in
on 2.5 minutes on the clock.

Come on, Daniel, get your speed on.

He could hop down one more step but

it looks like he's gonna
get off from here.

You can do it. Big lache here. Go!

Yes!
Nice.

The family in Perth loving it.
Daniel loving it.

But he has to get moving.

He only had four seconds left on
the clock last night.

Spin Hopper now.

And here he goes on these pills,

those sneaky little pills two
and four that move side to side.

Come on. This is an amazing effort
of will from this young ninja.

(LAUGHS)
Oh!

The one arm, it gets me every time.

He is just as light as a feather.

Alright.
Which way down will Daniel go?

They all spin and he can use any
or all of them.

Alright. He is...

Is he taking a shortcut?

Yeah, he's eyeing this one up
by his feet.

He didn't go to the one on his left

but he's dropped down
and made the catch.

That was a smart move
by the teenager.

Oh, just like that he's on to
the last obstacle.

This is incredible.

You've got this.

But The Inverter is brand-new
and it's tough.

He wouldn't have faced
anything like this before.

It requires
loads of upper body strength.

Shouldn't be an issue
for Daniel though.

Now he has to spin
to get to the handgrip.

He's got one hand there.

Oh!
No! He's down.

Oh, I thought he was gonna do
a one-armed hang

but he went straight into the pool.

An incredible effort
from WA's Send It ninja.

He's set the bar sky-high
on this first run of the night.

(CHEERING)
Let's take another look.

He was so comfortable up there but
as the board rotated and Daniel went

for one of his signature
one-arm hangs,

his grip on the ledge gave way
just metres away from the buzzer.

Mate.
Let's talk about it. The time.

Do you think you were too relaxed
then with the time

or was it fatigue?

Did you need the time
in-between each obstacle?

Definitely needed the time.

Didn't train endurance enough
and cardio

so that's something to work on.

But yeah, sent it
as hard as I could.

Happy with the outcome
in the grand final Stage Two.

Let's go.

Big shout out to Daniel Watermann,
everybody.

He's been unbelievable!

Wow. What a debut
on Australian Ninja Warrior.

And Perth goes wild
for Daniel Watermann.

I have a feeling we'll be seeing

a lot more from the Send It ninja
in years to come.

And we still have two more teens
on the attack tonight.

Ash Campbell, the Stingray

and Saxon Johnstone.

Can they make it to Mount Midoriyama

and take the crown
from the ninja legends?

He made the grand final
way back in Season Two

and hasn't missed one since.

Second fastest
over last night's course,

he's one of the strongest contenders
for this year's title

and is a man absolutely
on a mission to grab that crown.

He is the incredible Bryson Klein.

(CHEERING)

I'm a five-time grand finalist
and two-time runner-up

but tonight second place
is not an option.

I have been number two
a fair few times.

He's faced this before,
he knows what to do.

He's a bit wonky there on the
Salmon Ladder and he's gone.

I just said Bryson Klein
was looking good and he was.

But what on earth happened?

This being a goal of mine
for such a long time

and me having put so much effort
into it, definitely does raise

the stakes for me because I didn't
come this far to come this far.

I really hope this is the year that
I go from number two to number one.

(LAUGHS)

Mum, Dad, fiance Gemma
all in big support.

They've been giving him a lot
of energy over this season, Leila,

and it has worked.

He has been spectacular.

And I like the way he's put
his mission statement out there.

He wants that title and he's happy
to let people know it.

Now he just has to go and get it.

5:30 on the clock.
(STARTER BELL RINGS)

Come on, Bryson.
Can he take the crown?

Look at him go.

He's using his whole body
to get that ram moving.

One of the red-hot favourites
this year.

Great technique from Bryson Klein.

Ooh yes, that is
an impressive start.

Looks like he means business.

Feels like we're about to see
something special here.

The crowd are definitely up for it.

This is obstacle two.

Control and precision
are the main requirements.

Yeah. This is where he starts to
shine here on Thread The Needle.

Use that core.

Oh, no!

(EVERYONE GOES QUIET)

That is...

Eugh! I feel for Bryson.

Oh!

That is not the way for a ninja
as strong as he is to go out.

He just fell off.

(CHEERING)

The crowd getting behind Bryson now

but he just looks devastated
as does his family.

Bryson Klein, believe it or not,
it's over for him in Season Six.

Let's see what happened.

He lets go of the static bar

and instead of lacheing
straight away, he's taken a swing.

And there is nothing in that.

Takes his right hand off to readjust

and then somehow he's pushed that
ring off the cradle and he's gone.

Bryson Klein knows all too well that

the path to Mount Midoriyama
is as tough as they come.

He was too keen. Too keen to go.
I don't know what happened.

Talk us through what's going
through your head, mate.

(VERY LONG EXHALE)

Yep. Fair enough.
That's pretty much it.

Fair enough.
I mean, what did happen?

If you can talk this through.

Um...

I thought it was really important to
make sure my grip was super even so

I thought, I'll be fine to take one
little swing, straighten myself up.

But yeah, it just slipped out.

I very much wasn't expecting that.

I don't know.

I feel like for the first time I

truly understand why they put
water underneath the obstacle.

Oh, mate, you're gutted.
It hides the tears.

You're gutted, mate. I can see that.
Yeah, truly.

I can see that.

I think everybody absolutely
loves you here, mate.

You're a true competitor.
You're a champion of the sport.

You'll be back. Know you will be.
Thanks, boys.

All the best, Bryson. See you.

Oh, it's heartbreaking stuff
for Bryson Klein.

Jim, I'm just lost for words.

It's fair to say he wanted it
more than most

and he'll be feeling it
more than most.

Despite that fall,
he's one hell of a ninja.

Still to come, two ninja champions,

two more teens,

and two ninjas
with a second chance advantage,

take to the course in the Australian
Ninja Warrior grand final.

Next.

(THEME MUSIC)

(CHEERING)

JIM: Welcome back to
the Season Six grand final

of Australian Ninja Warrior

where Mount Midoriyama awaits
any ninja skilled enough

to battle their way through
11 diabolical obstacles.

LEILA: The ninjas who completed

each of the three semi-final
courses the fastest,

earned themselves a second chance
advantage for the grand final.

This means if they fail to complete
a grand final course,

they can re-run the course
in a second attempt.

Last night Olivia Vivian used hers

and devastatingly crashed out
on her second run.

Her dreams of victory
shattered for another year.

Fortunately Jake Baker
and Ashlin Herbert

did not need the second chance
during Stage One

so they carry their advantage
into Stage Two.

Hoping the advantage increases
his chances of going all the way,

from Melbourne, Jake Baker.

(CHEERING)

I don't want to call it early
but this is my best season so far.

He's got the fastest time
of the night.

He really is chewing
the clock there.

Being able to win the title
of Australian Ninja Warrior

would be a huge honour.

I think I'd also be able to show
Australia

that you can work a full-time job,

you can be a nerdy dungeon master,

you can do anything you want

and you can still reach these goals.

We've shaved down to the best
of the best.

To be counted amongst those,
that'd be incredible.

I really want that Stage Three.

(CHEERING)

Policeman by day, ninja by night.

The rat daddy has been impressive
so far this season.

And joining us now
is Jake's mum Mandy.

How do you think he's
going to go tonight?

I think he's going to do well.
I have faith in him.

He trains very hard.

And that shows. He's strong
and fast, quite the combination.

Perfect for this course tonight.

And he has that critical second
chance advantage in his back pocket.

Always helpful but will he need it?

It's a cushion but this course
is merciless

and if you do have to go through
twice, will you have the energy?

I think once would be
more than enough.

Alright. Here we go.

(STARTER BELL RINGS)

And he is up and at it.

Onto the Battering Ram
goes Jake Baker.

And he has dominated that one.

That is the quickest that we've seen

anyone take care
of the first obstacle thus far.

He smashed that one out.

Incredible stuff from Jake Baker
on obstacle one

and he's up, obstacle two,
Thread The Needle.

He has great technique
on these kind of obstacles.

Wow, he's really moving.

Yeah, he is not taking
any time whatsoever.

This is incredible.
(CHEERING)

Now, Jake splashed out
on the Barrel Roll last year.

Fingers crossed he doesn't need

to use his second chance advantage
here.

Catching his breath now as he
faces up to the Barrel Roll.

What a stallion he has been
this season, Jake Baker.

Getting some big-time move
right here.

And well done again.

This is looking like the best run
we've seen so far.

It's early days.

Lots to come but my goodness,

he's about to go flying off
this Barrel Roll

and get ready for the Air Surfer
if he can land it.

Come on, Jake Baker.

Wow. Look at that.
Just once and he's off.

He is showing this course
who is boss.

And he is halfway through it.

He's one whole minute faster
than Daniel Watermann.

OK, the Air Surfer now.

You're gonna need a lot of explosive
power, strength, and energy, grip.

This has it all.

I reckon he's gonna go fast here.
Look at this.

That's one go.

Love how these ninjas just use

a little bit of that shock
absorption with their elbows.

They get down when they fly.

They won't be straight armed
when they land it

so they can cushion it
and drop down.

That is beautiful.

And he's ready to dismount
and move on to the Spin Hopper.

Jake Baker, the power, the speed.
This is incredible.

It's smart doing those
as fast as possible

because the Spin Hopper
is brutal on the arms.

Up the pills. Not wasting any time.

This is an absolute clinic.

He's a cop, Jake Baker, Woods. I'm
about to issue him a speeding fine.

(LAUGHS)

This is some real ninja magic we're

seeing right here so far
from Jake Baker.

(CHEERING)

Almost 3 minutes to go
and he's on the last obstacle.

This is where experience counts.

He's got through the course quickly
to allow some muscle recovery time.

Look at him, he's trying to get some
blood flowing through his forearms

to flush out the lactic acid.

Burning up time but worth it
to get those arms working again.

Gold coin for a massage?
Gold coin.

Set up a little table there.

I could charge whatever I want,
he's playing for 100,000 bucks.

Yeah, that's true.
I want 10%.

The clock continues to tick, Leila,

and he continues to
use it and rest up.

Yeah, it really shows, doesn't it,

just how tough this course is
on those arms.

Alright, we are at 1.5 minutes

and that's exactly when he's going
to get off

and up and running on The Inverter.

Brand-new obstacle, this one.

Very few grip holds.

Ooh!

Ooh, he's managed
to untangle himself

and now he has to decide
how to get to the next board.

He's looking for the last handhold
to help with the transition.

What's he gonna do?

Looks like he's going to try...

Oh, look at the reach!

He's gonna span it.

Oh, no!
No!

Oh, Jake Baker!

Oh, the final hurdle.

Oh, Ninja is tough.

Second chance advantage
will be required

for Jake Baker to make it through
and challenge Mount Midoriyama.

He's gonna need some time to
recover. That took a lot out of him.

Jim, I'm going to need
some time to recover.

The thought of doing
that course again,

oh, it absolutely blows my mind.

Can you imagine?

You want to be
an Australian Ninja Warrior?

You've got to be ready to suffer.

That was an amazing speed run
for Jake Baker

but The Inverter had the last laugh.

Jake chose to reach for the second
panel instead

of trying a lache and as he crossed
over his hands, he lost his grip.

Jake will have a few moments
to catch his breath

and prepare for his second chance
run later tonight.

He might be down for now

but this ninja has the heart
and lungs of a lion.

And this next ninja
has the courage of one.

He's fearless in his approach and
attacks the course like no other.

Year after year he comes out
and blows us away with his speed

but so far the crown
has alluded him.

Last night he finished Stage One
in the fastest time.

And he still has his second chance
advantage if he needs it.

The fastest and unquestionably
one of the greatest,

it's Ashlin 'Flashlin' Herbert.

(CHEERING)

Ashlin, a five time grand finalist

but surprisingly never
gotten past Stage Two.

He's known for his speed

but sometimes it does
get the better of him

and he gets a little reckless.

The difference this year is

he's got a second chance advantage
in his back pocket

so this could be his year, Jim.

The crowd really getting
behind him now.

Yeah, there's a real sense
of expectation down here.

People up trees.
There are people up trees.

Sneaking a peek.
Hanging out of the trees here.

Have come down to watch this guy.

Arguably the most impressive part
about this bloke is

that he does Ninja in hot pink
three-quarter pants and a scrunchy.

(LAUGHS)

You talk with the ninjas
backstage and they all agree

that Ashlin is the one
they fear to compete against.

Let's go!
Come on, Ash!

Now on the sideline,
his girlfriend Sarah, Mum Gabby,

and good friend Troy as well as

teenager Ash Campbell who we'll
be seeing on the course later on.

(STARTER BELL RINGS)

OK, here he goes.

And he's showing
that Ram who's boss.

He's losing a little bit
of momentum there.

No, here he goes. Swinging.

And he's off.

A hallmark of Ashlin's runs is

how little time he wastes
between obstacles.

But he seems
a bit more cautious tonight.

Here comes Thread The Needle.

Get going, get your swing,
and be precise.

Ooh. Bit nerve-wracking

That was a little bit of a rattler
to get it in there.

One hand on either bar,
making sure they don't fall.

Looking good, Ashlin Herbert.

One more to go. Yes, he nails it.

That is how you do it. Wow.

That was cruisy. That was sweet.

And that's the Ashlin
we know and love.

When he's in the zone he just goes
for the flow and he's unstoppable.

As he takes on the Barrel Roll,
just over a minute gone.

Here comes a big lache here, Leila.

Come on, Ashlin.

And the crowd is right behind him.

They want to see him finally make it

all the way through
to grand final three.

He is going to fly here.

(CHEERING)
Oh, yes!

Whoo!

Quick breath if you need it.

Ash, you have time.

Thought he was heading for Penrith
for a minute there.

OK. Now for the Air Surfer.

He's not quite as fast
as Jake Baker to this stage

but still plenty of time
up his sleeve.

And the crowd are pumped up too,
Jim,

as Ashlin looks to clear
the 1m gap.

Nicely done.

It's a 7kg surfboard he's
throwing around up there

and it is not slowing him down.

One more big move here.

A lot of core strength
and throw that surfboard.

Well done.
Oh, come on.

He should be able to lache
from this position

and get moving to obstacle five.

(CHEERING)
Let's go.

Nicely done.

Alright.
The Spin Hopper To V Formation.

Still three minutes to go
and just two obstacles.

He is burning this course down.

We might need a fireman
after this run.

He may be burning it down

but he looks as cool as a cucumber,
doesn't he.

Alright. Don't want to jinx
him here.

The Spin Hopper is something
you don't want to take for granted.

Remember pills two and four
oh the way up, they will move.

They are not fixed.

Here he goes.

Pill number two no problem though.

Come on, Ash.

His support crew
looks a little nervous.

And rightly so.

That open hand grip is tricky.

It's a flat kind of grip,
relies on the forearms.

But wow,
Ashlin's showing how it's done.

(CHEERING)

Ashlin Herbert with his eyes
on Stage Three

and he wants to get there fast.

(CHEERING)

He's setting the pace.
Plenty of time.

That should not be the issue.

Can he get past The Inverter?
That is the question.

Got to be ready for this one because

you've got to deal with
all the intricacies of it.

There are so many moving parts
to this one.

And then once you finish those,
if you finish those,

you've got the rope climb
to get to the buzzer.

OK. He has a choice to make here -
span it or go the lache.

Power.
Come on!

Remember, it's off a moving board
onto another board that also moves

and there's only a narrow bar
to grip onto.

Oh, my.
Oh, yes!

What a catch!
Wow.

That was epic.

And he's over to the bar.
It's just the rope to go.

No way.
What's he doing?

He's taking a break. Look at this.
This is insane.

He's Count Dracula-d it.
Have a look at him.

Ash, you've got 45, mate.
Forty-five.

Nothing in the rule book against
taking a quick break mid course.

Use your legs on this rope.

Have you ever seen
anything like this?

No, I have never in my life
seen anything like this.

Come on, Ashlin!
37, 36, 35 seconds

to get up that rope.

Come on! Push your legs!

Who needs a second chance?
Do it on your first.

Come on, Flashlin Ashlin.

He's gonna do it.
Here he goes.

(CHEERING)

Get up there!
Come on! Get up there!

Hit that buzzer!
(BUZZER BLARES)

Yes!
Come on, Ashlin!

Yes, to Ashlin!

He's an icon, Flashlin Ashlin!

The people in the trees outside

are going
absolutely out of the trees.

Ashlin Herbert has at long last
made grand final three

and is the first ninja this season
to get there.

The crowd love you.
Give them a wave.

Unbelievable.

Flashlin Ashlin Herbert
is on fire in his best season yet.

Can he go all the way
to Mount Midoriyama in 2022?

The final obstacle was unbelievable.

Ashlin making quick work
of the rotating board

and he chose to lache
to the second rotating board

and absolutely nails it.

Then after a quick break to get
the blood flow back in his arms,

he took to the rope and hit that
buzzer with 21 seconds to spare.

Flashlin! Mate!
Well done.

Oh, he can't. Look at this.

He couldn't even shake our hands.

Honestly these are...

They're heavy with lactic acid.

We need a valve to release that.
Yeah, I know.

That would be really nice right now.

I'll give you a rub
while we have this chat, mate.

I'll give you a rub. We'll rub you.

You answer the questions.

How hard was that course?

That was one of the hardest courses
I've done, I reckon.

You can't keep the momentum going.

Everything's strength based.

I'm really lazy,
I like to flow things.

I wanna get through things
as fast as I can but...

So, let's talk a little bit about
this little Count Dracula move

that you pulled.

The upside-down number.

I planned it because I knew
I was gonna be super gassed by then.

And that's how dead your arms were.
Yeah.

It's unbelievable.

How good was he? I mean, really.
(CHEERING)

You can go and release
those forearms, mate.

Get out of here,
release those forearms.

Flashlin Ashlin, everyone!

JIM: Are we looking at the next
Australian Ninja Warrior?

That was a run worthy of the title.

Or can the Zak Attack
go all the way

and claim back-to-back titles in
an Australian Ninja Warrior first?

(DRAMATIC MUSIC)

(CHEERING)

LEILA: Welcome back
to the Season Six grand final

of Australian Ninja Warrior.

Tonight there's $200,000
up for grabs

for the ninja
that makes it through

the grand final Stage Two
and Stage Three courses

and up Mount Midoriyama.

So far four ninjas have
taken on the Stage Two course

and yet only one
has made it through.

Flashlin Ashlin
living up to his name

and hitting that the buzzer
with 21 seconds to spare.

(BUZZER BLARES)

And now it's the turn
of his protege.

(CHEERING)

He's the youngest ninja
still remaining

and he finished in the top three
last night.

From Victoria,
he's been this season's stunner,

16-year-old Ash Campbell.

(CHEERING)

To get this far in my first year,
it's honestly pretty surprising.

I thought my nerves would get
the better of me

but I think I've done a good job
with just keeping calm.

My confident side is going
yeah, we can do that

and then the other side of me
is going like,

how the hell did you make it
this far?

This young man has just knocked out
Flashlin Ashlin.

Being the youngest ever to win would
be a pretty awesome title to hold.

If I got to
Mount Midoriyama...

(SUCKS IN A BREATH)

..it would be pretty nerve-racking
holding a rope, being like,

man, I have to climb up that thing.

(LAUGHS)

And there he is, Flashlin,

repaying the favour and supporting
from the sidelines with the family.

And Ashlin Herbert reckons
the Stingray has got what it takes

and it's high praise indeed.

If you had to pick a teen
that can make it all the way,

I reckon it would have to be
this guy.

Ash Campbell, the Stingray,
promises everything.

Yeah. He's been flawless.

Yeah, well, let's hope
that form continues.

This guy has been fast,

placing third overall
in grand final Stage One.

It's go time.
(STARTER BELL RINGS)

And he's off. The Battering Ram.

Look at him go.

Oh, no!

Mate!

Oh, what a heartbreaking place
to finish.

That escalated quickly.

I did not see that coming.

Flashlin Ashlin laughing it off.

Ash taking it well.

Well, Ash may have underestimated
how little that Ram slides.

Keep your eye on his hands.

They're edging closer
to the front with each shuffle

and they just seemed to slip off.

Tries to save himself
but to no avail.

Here we are, mate.
How are you, brother?

I just wanted
to see you guys sooner.

I know. We wanted to hang out.

How are you going, mate?
Oh, yeah, I'm alright.

I underestimated
how little it slid

and I went forward
and it didn't follow me

so yeah, that's what happened.

I'm gonna miss you guys.
Yeah, we'll miss you.

Look at this kid, he's great.
We can text. We'll exchange numbers.

Do you text?
Yeah.

What do young kids do these days?

Sit in their rooms and do nothing.

Round of applause for Ash Campbell
please, everybody.

What a great kid.

A mighty effort from the Stingray

making it to Stage Two of the
grand final in his debut season.

With another teenager out,

it's up to the ninja legends
to show us what they're made of.

OK, Leila,
this ninja has done it before

and is hoping for another
crack at Mount Midoriyama.

Has he got what it takes?

He's our reigning champ, Zak Stolz.

(CHEERING)

He's a four-time grand finalist

and one of only three ninjas

to have ever made it up
Mount Midoriyama.

But there's a fair bit of pressure
riding on Zak's shoulders.

But he's been strong so far
this series.

He is hungry for back-to-back
titles.

And there's no
second chance advantage

for Zak to rely on tonight.

That was the cushion that got him
through to Stage Three last year.

CROWD (CHANTING): Zak Attack!

Yeah, that famous chant
starting up now

and the Zak pack are
on the sideline.

Mum Joanne, his grandma Cherie,
Auntie Nina, partner Georgia.

Oh, a little Zak mini fan.

Zak was only ranked sixth
during Stage One last night

but will he be our second ninja
through to Stage Three?

(STARTER BELL RINGS)
Alright, here we go.

Come on, attack this, Zak.
The Battering Ram.

Look at him.

Absolutely pummelling it
across the pole.

Just the dismount.

Can't take
anything for granted here.

This course is cruel.

But he's across.

And he's headed
for Thread The Needle.

I just love watching Zak.

He has so much elasticity.

And here comes the power.

Bam.

And then he'll get the swing,
the two arms to generate the pace.

Commits.

Lands it.

One more to go.

He flies through the air.
It's like a blonde magic carpet.

Incredible.

He is across.

Beautiful.
That was pretty from Zak Stolz.

Just over a minute
for the first two obstacles.

He is on track to make it
to Stage Three.

Come on, up you go.

This is where his length
really helps out.

He can easily
make that long lache up.

And now he'll use the barrel
to swing himself over.

Here he goes.

Whoa!
Oh, he's flying!

The wings are a-flap
and he nearly took off.

Go, buddy. Let's go, buddy.

A smooth run here.

Not as speedy as Jake or Ashlin but

looking comfortable as he
takes on the Air Surfer.

Taking a few small hops
along the padded shelf.

This is so tough on the arms
and the core, this one.

And a big lache across
the first of the 1m gaps.

He is manhandling it so far.

One more big transfer to go.

BOTH: Yes.

And he just wobbles it along.

And here comes the dismount.

Time for air Zak.

Boom!
Yay!

Nails that landing.
Whoo-hoo!

How is he going to attack
the Spin Hopper To V Formation?

Remember, pills two and four,
they will get wiggly.

Not a problem. Not a problem, Jim.

He is moving. Look at the speed.

The pills were
dispensed with so quickly.

He's heading for the Vs.

He managed those pills like
it was a salmon ladder.

He just marched right through them.

This is a clinic from the champ.
Oh!

Zak Stolz smashed it out.

And he's got so much time to burn
and only one obstacle to go.

Yeah, as you can see he's up at

what we've affectionately called
the Forearm Fleecer.

Chucking the knee on the forearm,
that's the key there.

Squeezing out the lactic acid.

Does it actually feel good putting
your knee on your forearm?

I've never done it, mate.
We've never worked that hard.

Never.

I'm terrified just watching
The Inverter.

Imagine what Zak's thinking.

Remember,
this is a brand-new obstacle

and you gotta work out how
to manoeuvre this tricky beast.

As he hangs by his fingertips.

Now it's all about strategy
for the traverse.

His training buddy Ashlin
decided to lache it.

He's gone with the lache.

Boy he has some strength
in those arms.

The crossover arm technique.

He's doing this!
He's on the bar.

He's going to do it.
And he's doing it with speed.

Back-to-back Zak
is well and truly on track.

I love this guy.

Look at him go, the defending champ
defending his position.

And he looks like he's gonna
book a spot in Stage Three!

(BUZZER BLARES)
(CHEERING)

With 49 seconds to spare, Zak made
that look like a walk in the park.

But he's just the second ninja
to complete Stage Two so far.

We just saw you look down to all
your ladies and put two fingers out.

Are you going
for the second one in a row?

No-one's ever done it.

Gotta keep going, don't we?
Rude not to try and continue it on.

Zak Stolz, you are one step closer
to Mount Midoriyama.

Well done, champ. Well done.
(CHEERING)

That was one flawless run
from Zak Stolz,

making some of the hardest obstacles
we've ever seen on Ninja

seem like child's play.

Zak sent a message out to his mate
Ashlin Herbert, I'm not just

gonna finish Stage Two, I'm gonna
do it 28 seconds faster than you.

Ashlin and Zak will take on
grand final Stage Three

later tonight as they both move
one step closer to Mount Midoriyama.

Coming up, it's the moment
we've been waiting for.

Crowned as the only
Ninja Warrior Champion.

WOMAN: Ben Poulson!

And we started the evening
with three teens

and now we are down to just one.

Saxon takes on the course
right after this.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

You're back with the season six grand
final of Australian Ninja Warrior,

where this season's best ninjas

have been taking on
this gruelling stage two course.

So far, Ashlin Herbert and Zak Stolz

are the only ninjas
to have completed it.

JIM: Earlier on, ninja legend
Le Hua took to the course.

He came in hot
on the second obstacle...

That's a tragedy.

..and despite some quick thinking
to get out of a sticky situation,

splashed out early.

(BUZZER SOUNDS)

Then it was time for South
Australia's 'Bigg Ninja', Alex Bigg,

to try his luck.

He made it to the final obstacle,

but was flipped off the Inverter
and into the water.

(BUZZER SOUNDS)

The 'Silent Assassin'
Matthew Bowles, from WA, was next,

and looked like a man a mission.

He rode the twists and turns
of the Inverter

and got up the rope
to hit the buzzer,

with 23 seconds to spare -

the third fastest time of the night.

(KLAXON BLARES)

The ninja legends
leading the charge tonight,

but that might be about to change.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Well, the teens have been
on the attack all series,

and this particular ninja

will not take a backwards step
for one second.

It's our last remaining teenager
in the competition.

It's the 17-year-old rookie
seeking to make history.

Saxon Johnstone!

(MOMENTOUS MUSIC SWELLS)

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

MAN: Feels great,
being a grand final teen.

I definitely feel like
I've started to earn my place

among some of the top legends.

Yes, baby! Whoo!
He's up here!

MAN: That is huge.
This is the future!

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

I'm not just some 17-year-old

who's here to prove
that I've trained hard for this.

If I win tonight,

it will definitely mean a lot
to not only me, but to my mum.

She's the reason
that I got into ninja,

the reason that I'm standing here
today in grand final stage two.

(MOMENTOUS MUSIC SWELLS)

I definitely want
to make Mum proud tonight.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

And there's Saxon's mum, Sabrina,
with the rest of the family.

She suffers from
an autoimmune disease,

but she is a fighter
and so is Saxon,

and let's not forget Ben Polson,
Saxon's mentor is with them.

He'll be taking on the course
later tonight.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

WOODY: The big question is, how do
the teenagers deal with the nerves?

Grand final stage two.

This is a really hard course.
Is he gonna hold his nerve?

Well, last night Saxon finished the
course four seconds faster than Ben.

He was impressive,

and he's going to need
that spirit now

as he gets up and running
on the Battering Ram.

Yeah, he's gonna fight that
all the way to the end.

Look at the speed on him.

Smoked it. He smoked it.

That was amazing, how quickly
he got through that obstacle.

Yeah! Whoo! Keep going!

That's the most incredible thing,
isn't it?

He has never been on an obstacle
like that one before,

but not a problem.

Takes it in his stride
as he heads on Thread the Needle.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

We've seen some experienced ninjas
fall on this obstacle.

Come on, Saxon.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Well, using the same technique
as Flashlin here.

Generates a swing with both bars.

Commits to it,
and he's nailed it!

Oh, yes!
He's on Flashlin speed.

Fantastic work early
from this 17-year-old.

He is on to the Barrel Roll.

He is sending it,
as he heads up the rope.

OK, this lache is 2.8 metres,

but also upwards
to get to that handle -

you've gotta go very high
and make a grab.

Get it!

He got it!
Yes, he got it.

Isn't it incredible, the way they
just come to a sudden stop there?

CROWD: Send it, Saxon, send it!

This is a tricky one.
You gotta judge it.

Can he send it properly
over the wall?

Oh, he is over. Yes, perfect!
You bet he can.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

4:10 seconds remain.

This is lightning fast.

Right now he's faster than both
Zak Stolz and Flashlin Ashlin,

and as he grabs a hold
of the Air Surfer,

he has to clear
three one-metre gaps,

and the board weighs seven kilos.

This is heavy. He would not have seen
anything like this before.

But... he gets across with a thud!

Far from graceful,
but effective all the same.

He is manoeuvring it,
manhandling it.

He's not even a man yet,
but he sure looks like one out here.

Wow!
Look at that control!

Now you got the feeling!

He's a ninja, that's what he is, Jim.

He is a ninja on the Air Surfer,
making light work of it,

and he's off.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

He is off and he is rolling on
to obstacle five.

He is right on track.
The clock looks good.

Could he go all the way?

You've got time, you've got time!
Shake it out!

Ben Polson on the sideline,
offering some crucial advice.

Ninjas have to pace themselves.

Completing this brutal course in
time is the only thing that matters.

This is not easy.

No, he's definitely gotta use that
open-handed grip, or the sloper.

It's what the rock climbers use,

and it just burns the forearms.

It's not easy.

It gets that lactic acid pumping,

we've seen with
our other ninjas tonight.

This is hard.
All his weight coming down.

Hard to grip on the thick sausage.

Jeez, those bratwursts
are tough to hold on to.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

OK, that's one to the good.

It will spin you sideways.

Manages that one,
and he's making moves out here.

Making big moves on stage two
of the grand final.

Last obstacle, mate! Last one!

1:45 remaining.

The clock should
not be the obstacle.

The biggest problem here

is how many moving parts this
Inverter throws at these ninjas.

There's a lot to manage.

He's the last teen left.
Can he do it for all the teenagers?

Both Zak and Ashlin, who are through,
hit this obstacle at a similar time.

Can the teenager
work his way through it?

He's gotta commit right there
to the undercling, and he's done it.

He's got it. He's gotta transfer
across now - the next stage.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

This is so impressive
from a 17-year-old.

Right hand, right hand!
Push off with your right hand!

What's he gonna do here?

Looks like he's setting up
for the lache Ashlin Herbert-style,

with hands either side.

He has to nail this.
There's no margin for error.

Go, Saxon!

Yeah, the catch is a very narrow bar.

Yeah!
Yes!

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)
Yay! Whoo!

He's done it!
Catch!

He's done it!

OK, one more. On to the fixed bar.

He's on the bar!
He's heading for the rope.

Alright!
Let's go! Come on!

Head up the rope!

He's heading for the buzzer.

He has 43, 42...
he has a few seconds to go!

Come on!

Saxon, get up that rope.

Time to spare! Unbelievable!

Come on, buddy. Come on.

Come on, Saxon.
Come on. You got this.

He's up!

He's going to grand final three!
He's got the buzzer.

(KLAXON BLARES)
Oh, smashed the buzzer!

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

We have a teenager
through to stage three

in the second fastest time
of the night.

He's beaten Ashlin
by three whole seconds!

Wow!

Saxon, can you see Mount Midoriyama?

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Got eyes on it.
(LAUGHS)

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

That was such a polished run
from the 17-year-old.

The Inverter has been the downfall

of most of our experienced ninjas
tonight,

but Saxon thought it through,
took his time,

and rode it out before going
to the lache with the second board.

It was then smooth sailing
up to the buzzer.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Saxon Johnstone! (LAUGHS)

Saxon, mate!
Wow!

This is a name that everyone
is gonna know very, very shortly.

I mean, this is a dream come true,
isn't it?

100%. Been dreaming about this
for a while now.

Send it, Saxon.

Hey, Saxon, so, I know your idol,
obviously, is Ben Polson.

We've been talking about the
relationship you guys have got.

How would it feel
if you toppled Ben Polson?

(LAUGHS) I mean... I don't know,
he's an amazing athlete,

but if I did happen to beat him
tonight, it would feel pretty great.

(LAUGHS) There you go!

I can see him over there.

He's got a little Saxon Johnstone
voodoo doll out the back

that he's just snapping the arms off
at the moment.

Hey, mate, you are through
to stage three of the grand final.

Mount Midoriyama is absolutely
shaking at the sight of you, mate.

You are unbelievable.
Saxon Johnstone, everybody!

Give it up for him!
(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Congrats, brother.
Thanks, mate.

Well done.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Stick around - the one and only
Ben Polson takes to the course,

and Jake Baker cashes in
his second chance advantage next.

(MOMENTOUS MUSIC BUILDS)

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

LEILA: You're back
with the season six grand final

of Australian Ninja Warrior,

where, tonight, one ninja will win
a guaranteed $100,000.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

JIM: We're down to our last two runs
in stage two,

and, ninja fans, get excited,

because on the course right now

is Australia's first and only
crowned Ninja Warrior, Ben Polson.

And he's got Olivia and his protege,
Saxon, there on the sideline

and he's on to obstacle three.

Now, Ben Polson's a planner.

He doesn't have a second chance
like Jake,

so he'll have thought
this course though,

and this is where
his experience will help.

He'll pace himself and be conscious
not to rush anything.

Oooh, quite a few swings here,
but he gets the catch.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Ninja is a mental and physical game,
and Ben Polson is playing well.

He's about to go flying.

One, two, go!

Oh!
Ohh, easy, easy does it!

It's like he made time stand still.

He just stopped right on top,

took a look, and said,
"OK, I'm ready to drop in."

Yeah, obstacle four - the Air Surfer.

This is where the burn really starts
to get to these ninjas.

We've seen so many of them
suffering in the forearms.

Yeah, here he goes!

The first of three big laches,
and he's made it.

Oh, he's just got
a little loose here.

These readjustments are a punish!

Ben Polson not as tidy as he'd like,

but he's launched
into a second lache.

Dismount from there! Go from there.

Look at that -
Ben taking Saxon's advice!

Nice! There you go.

Skipping that last step and saving
valuable time and energy.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Three minutes left.

Ben Polson not in a hurry.

This is a discipline run,
sticking to his game plan.

He's finding the balance
between conserving energy,

but not taking too much time
in the process.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Oh, look, a little wobble on pill two
of the Spin Hopper,

making his muscles work overtime
to stabilise it.

Putting his wingspan to good use.

This is one obstacle you want
to get off as quickly as you can.

Plenty of support
from the sidelines,

and two questions remain.

Can Ben complete the course

and can he beat his protege,
Saxon Johnstone?

You've got lots of time.

Give yourself a good minute
to get through this one.

At 195, one of the taller
ninjas around,

and that means the wingspan
is in play.

How much will he use it
on this final obstacle?

And here he comes now.

Look how steady that board is.
Such control!

Wow, wow, wow! That reach!

Let's see if he tries to span this.
Yes, he does.

He's... oh, no!
Oh, no!

He is out!
Oh, no! Oh!

Can you believe it?
Oh, what happened?

Of all the shocks,
of all the shock exits,

I did not see that one coming!

He was handling that better
than any ninja we've seen!

It looked so simple, so easy!

Oh, Olivia Vivian can't believe it.

Ben's so disappointed.

Saxon absolutely shocked!
We are all stunned here!

(SCATTERED APPLAUSE)

Damn it.

The crowd so quiet.

You can hear every drip of that water
as he gets out of the pool.

It is total, total shock.

How are you, Benny?
I'm alright, yeah.

Yeah, you right?

I can see the disappointment
on your face there, bro.

Yeah, I think
I'm just more disappointed

that... I actually felt amazing.

I was feeling good.
Yeah, I could see it on you!

I didn't feel that pumped,

and it was just a silly,
like, mental error,

coordination-based thing.

Has this year been
the hardest obstacles so far?

I think just this whole season's
been the hardest season,

with the side-by-side races

and the young guns trying to kick me
out of the top placement, you know,

and they're doing a great job of it
so far.

(LAUGHTER)
So, yeah, it's pretty tough.

WOODY: Speaking of the young guns,
as you said,

Saxon Johnstone
is on the sidelines there.

What advice would you give to him
going into stage three grand final?

Um, look, I don't... I think he needs
to give me advice at this point,

'cause you know,
he's absolutely crushing it.

So, there's not much I can say
apart from just do your best, man -

just keep doing what you're doing.

This guy's a legend! Put your hands
together - Ben Polson!

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Wow, this could very well be
the changing of the guard

we're witnessing here.

You were so close.
Oh, man, I felt so good!

Amazing run!
You looked so good up till there.

JIM: Yeah, Saxon beat Ben
by a few seconds in stage one,

and now he's leaving him behind
completely,

as Ben Polson waves goodbye
to his chance of winning in 2022.

Sadly, no second chance for Ben,

but not the case for our next ninja.

Earlier this evening,
ninja favourite Jake Baker

splashed out on the Inverter,

but as he topped the leaderboard
in his semifinal,

he earned a second chance advantage
all thanks to Energizer.

(MOMENTOUS MUSIC BUILDS)

Let's see if he can do it.

Jake Baker!

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Facing this indomitable course
for the second time tonight.

But he has the experience now.

Can he use that to get through
this time, Leila?

I hope he can,
but my arms are burning

just thinking about
doing that course twice.

Let's not forget Zak Stolz
used his second chance

in last year's grand final

and then went on
to win the $100,000.

Woods, you know what they say.

The Jaker, the Baker,
the grand final maker.

Here he goes - the Battering Ram.

He knows what to do -
he's just gotta do it,

and, boy, he is sending it now.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

How much energy can he save
on these early obstacles?

It might be critical.

Already breathing hard

just as he gets going
on Thread the Needle,

the second obstacle.

He's gonna have to dig
so deep here, Leila.

And Jake was telling me backstage

his great fear was that he would bomb
out one of these earlier obstacles

after getting all the way through
to the Inverter last time,

but look at him go.

There's not a concern right now.

That was perfect, and that
was efficient and energy-saving.

Great start for Jake Baker
on his second chance.

Imagine, Jim,
playing the Australian Open

and then doing it again
straight away.

No, thank you.
(LAUGHS)

He's pacing himself
as he grabs the rope

and takes just a single swing
to the first barrel.

Gets some momentum.

He's up to barrel number two quickly,

trying to conserve energy for the end
of the course here, I reckon.

I don't know how he's doing this,
honestly.

We've seen these ninjas
when they're fresh, suffering.

He's off!

And he has made it through
the first three obstacles.

But here comes the pain!

The Air Surfer to the Spin Hopper
to the Inverter.

That's what stands
between Jake Baker

and a chance to go
for that $200,000.

Yes! The Air Surfer.

Look at the power -
look at the explosive power.

This is so tricky!
There is no give on the Air Surfer.

You have to pound it across.

Wow, he almost overshot that one,
he was so strong!

Wow! Amazing!

He's done incredibly well
to get where he is in the time.

Coming up to two minutes.
(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Straight to the Spin Hopper now.

There's that tough open-palm grip,
but he's flying up.

This is so courageous, Leila.
This is amazing!

This guy is superhuman,

speeding through this
like he's had the week off.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Incredible! Second time around.
Jake Baker!

Mum Mandy is thrilled!

I can't even see the bottom
of where his reserves are.

He's digging so deep right now.

He's got two things burning here -
forearms and time.

The latter will help the former,

and you have to remember that
this is his second run of the night.

I get the need for recovery,

but he'll make me nervous
if he waits too long.

Up he goes.

Less than a minute remaining.

Come on, Jake!
I'm nervous now.

Get it!
Oh, come on, Jake!

Come on! Slide it up.

Alright. Another transition.

Oh, I almost can't look.

Yes. He spanned it before.
Will he go the lache this time?

I believe he will.

He made it!
He made it across!

He made it!
He made it across!

Don't worry, Leila!
Come on!

30 seconds, Jake! 30 seconds, mate!

Adrenalin will get him up there!

Come on, Jake!

Look at him work those feet!

The second chance advantage coming
to the fore for Jake Baker!

Go, Jake!
Come on, Jake!

You got it, Jake!
14 seconds!

(KLAXON BLARES)
Yes, yes, yes! Yeah!

You big dog!
The second time!

He's done it!
Unbelievable!

Jakey the Bakey the grand final
makey! He's through, mate!

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Let's see that final obstacle again.

This is where Jake
came undone earlier,

but he goes the lache this time,

and makes one of the smoothest
catches of the night.

Jake's second chance advantage

has moved him one step closer
to the mountain.

(MOMENTOUS MUSIC SWELLS)

Just 13.7 seconds to go,

and just one more course
to go tonight

to tackle Mount Midoriyama.

Do you have it in you?

Yeah, well, I've recovered once
already. What's two?

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)
(JIM LAUGHS)

Jake Baker, you're through
to stage three!

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

So, five ninjas move on
to stage three of the course,

drawing ever closer to a final
confrontation with Mount Midoriyama.

And, Jim, there's some bad news
for our ninjas.

Stage two was tough,
but stage three - O-M-G!

This stage features
our five toughest obstacles.

These are the final hurdles
before they can face the mountain

and climb for the $200,000.

Stage three of the Australian
Ninja Warrior grand final is next.

Don't go anywhere.

(DRAMATIC MUSIC BUILDS)

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Welcome back to the season six grand
final of Australian Ninja Warrior.

We began tonight
with 11 incredible ninjas,

but now we're down to just five.

(DRAMATIC MUSIC CONTINUES)

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

They now face stage three
of the grand final.

Let's see what's in store.

The good news for the ninjas -
there's no time limit.

The bad news - standing between
them and the mountain

are our toughest five obstacles.

First up, it's the Criss Cross
Salmon to Sling Shot,

where ninjas zigzag
between two Salmon Ladders

before transferring
to the Sling Shot.

Here they face five cradles,
each with treacherous bungee ropes,

and only body precision

and explosive lache technique
will overcome.

Then it's the stomach-dropping
Deja Vu.

You might think
you've seen it before,

but last season, nobody made it
to this obstacle.

Ninjas can jump out of the cradle
backwards

to give them time
to cite the next catch,

but they have to nail it.

They then repeat the process
to dismount.

Obstacle three
is the Crazy Cliffhanger.

In the ultimate test
of grip strength,

ninjas must make their way
across four tiny ledges

using just their fingertips.

In past seasons, this has been
a ninja graveyard.

Enter the Dungeon if you dare!

The second-last obstacle
before Mount Midoriyama,

it ended many of our top ninjas'
dreams last season.

First it's a climb
up a vertical panel

before locking the board in
horizontally

and using the candlesticks
to get to the end

before that infamous torturous leap
to the final board.

Here, ninja rotate the board
180 degrees before dismounting.

With the mountain in sight, there's
just one final obstacle left -

the Flying Bar.

Ninjas must make four laches
with pinpoint accuracy.

There are no stoppers or hooks
to rest the bar on,

meaning there is no room for error.

The ninja that goes
furthest fastest tonight

will win $100,000.

But if anyone can complete
stage three,

they've earned the right

to climb the most challenging
mountain in Australia.

(MOMENTOUS MUSIC BUILDS)

A 20-metre rope climb,
the final brutal task

that is every ninja's ultimate goal.

The ninja that completes this
incredible feat in the fastest time

will be crowned Australian 2022

and take home $200,000.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

OK, Australia, strap yourselves in.

We are about to see five ninjas
lay it all on the line.

There are no second chances.
This is it.

Let's bring out the first ninja
to take on stage three

of the 2022 Australian Ninja Warrior
grand final.

He's been so strong this season,

and this ninja made it
to the grand final stage three

back in season four,

then his dreams of making it
to Mount Midoriyama were crushed

when he fell on the final obstacle,
the Bar Hop.

It's the 'Silent Assassin',
Matt Bowles.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

There he is - the Silent Assassin
in his signature skinny jeans.

He's been incredible
to watch this season.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)
Let's go, Matty!

And let's not forget that
Matthew took last season off

as he didn't feel like
he was in top form,

but not the case this year.

He's come back with a vengeance.

And he represents
Western Australia tonight,

where his girlfriend Liliana
joins us live on the big screen.

OK, Matthew Bowles, the first ninja
to have a crack at stage three.

There's no clock. It's all about
completing the course.

First up for him, the tricky
Criss Cross Salmon to Sling Shot.

Spins the other way!

Wow!

That was an amazing turnaround.

Are you kidding me?
Ohh!

That is absolutely absurd.

How do you do that?

So quick, so clinical, so precise!

This guy is a weapon.

It was like he was doing ballet
up there.

That was some ninja magic
from Matthew Bowles,

and he is off to a flyer here
on the first obstacle.

Straightening that bar, trying to
make sure it's centred.

Yeah, these cradles are like
landing in chewing gum.

So stretchy!

Oh, wow!
He nearly didn't get that one.

He clickety-clacked
on the way up and out.

So hard to get a flow.

Timing the lache with the bounce
of the bungee is crucial.

Oh, man, it's taken a little bit
of time for him to get the swing.

Oh, there he goes.

Wow! Down he goes.

We've been used to seeing him
land like Spider-Man.

That time he landed
a little bit like I would.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

First ninja to attempt Deja Vu.

Up he scurries,
the pole no problem at all.

Deja Vu - this is an interesting
obstacle, isn't it?

Yeah, some people don't like
to ride backwards on the train.

You gotta be ready to fly backwards
if you're a ninja.

Wow...
No! He's down!

Ohh!
He's not down. He saved that!

Just missed that catch.
What?

It's second chance. Here we go.

What happened?

Can he save it?

Now he's down!

(AUDIENCE EXCLAIMS)

Just centimetres!

Just couldn't recover.

Ohh!
Wow!

That was great, that first recovery,
but two - just one too many.

I can't believe he made
the first recovery.

I thought it was all over
for the Silent Assassin.

I'm pooped. (LAUGHS)

Let's take another look.

On the first swing,
his right-hand side went too high,

bumped the bar,
and then he couldn't lock it in.

He did well to hold on,

but unfortunately, did the same
on the recovery swing.

One of the in-form ninjas
takes an early bath.

Hopefully this isn't a sign
of things to come.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

WILL: Matty Bowles, how you feeling?

Just the shock of... I've never done
this obstacle before.

Yep.

And the jolts... that second jolt,
I just came off.

This is a pretty technical obstacle.
I think it spooked me.

How does it feel
when that thing drops, mate?

It feels like your arms are ripping
out of your body and then...

Oh, wow! Yeah.
Mmm! Wow!

That's a great feeling.
Wow!

Just like yoink! (LAUGHS)

Win some money or not,

Matty Bowles, you can hear the crowd
for you here, mate.

You've had a flawless run
all the way up until now.

Congratulations.

Thank you very much, guys.
You guys have been awesome.

You've been a legend, mate.
Aww, thanks, mate!

Thanks for joining us, mate.

Liliana looking on.

Look - she's absolutely crushed
for him,

but no doubt he will be back.

JIM: OK, Leila, one down,
four ninjas to go,

and we're moving from one speedster
to another.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

He's in his fifth grand final,

but this is the first time he's ever
made it all the way to stage three.

Yeah, this year has been
his best season by far,

and if anyone's ready to beat
stage three and climb the mountain,

it's this man,
Ashlin 'Flashlin' Herbert!

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

The moment
of truth

for Ashlin
'Flashlin' Herbert.

It's hard to believe
Ashlin's never been here before.

He's such an icon of the sport.

Speed often a friend
and a foe of his.

And no more safety net
for Ashlin this time.

Although he didn't need
a second chance earlier,

it doesn't carry over
to stage three.

Come on, Ash!

The support crew here.

Will they witness
some Flashlin magic tonight?

Unfortunately, Ash Campbell
already out earlier on.

(CHIME SOUNDS)
Here he goes!

Ashlin Herbert up
on the Criss Cross Salmon.

Turning around,

and heading over the other way.

Oh, skips a few there!

Good, Ash!

Yeah, he's only gotta go up
one more rung.

That was nice!

Sometimes you can go
so fast on these things,

you can get a little sloppy.

Not this time!

Safely through
the Criss Cross Salmon

and on to the Sling Shot.

Pop it up! Be sure of it!

There's no clock to race against,

so Ashlin can afford to be cautious.

He's taking some time to get set,

as this next one is a big drop.

Yes, he's made it!

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Up again. This is where we see
the Flashlin in the Ashlin.

It's amazing how natural and fluid
this athlete is.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Yeah, caution? What was I thinking?
It's just not in his nature.

Yes, Ash!

The Deja Vu comes next, Leila,

and it starts with a climb
up the pole

to get to the bars.

It looks like great fun,
but it is insanely tricky.

This one is gonna be amazing,

because these ninja... oh, no!

Oooh!
He went off quickly.

Oh, but he's recovered.
That was unbelievable!

We didn't plan that.
I thought he was gone there.

Good save!

Far out, mate!

The lightning fast reflexes
of 'Flashlin' Ashlin Herbert

saves that.

That was something extraordinary.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

He is extraordinary.

We've come to expect it,

but, man, he's gotta make
another reverse move here.

Can he land it?

Yes, he can!

Oh, wow! That was quite the save!

It wasn't graceful,

but Ashlin now
the first Australian ninja

to have completed that obstacle.

Crazy Cliffhanger
is what is to come now.

Four ledges, fingertip wide.

Gotta be strong.

You have to be precise
and resilient.

Leila, we've been expecting this
from 'Flashlin' Ashlin

ever since he burst on to the scene.

This guy has been a gun
from day one.

He's expected to really challenge
Mount Midoriyama.

Is this his year?

He's got a few more obstacles
to give himself that chance.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Come on. Come on, Ashlin.

He's preparing
for a big sideways lache.

Gets it!
Oh!

It's those hands on Flashlin!

The next lache is an awkward angle.

Ashlin getting set.
Needs some power.

Here comes a crossing.

Nice... oh, no!
Oh, no!

He's out.
Ashlin!

He's out.
Ohh!

Sarah can't believe it!

I can't believe it!
I can't believe it!

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

No-one can believe it.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Ashlin Herbert will not get a shot
at Mount Midoriyama this year,

and he was looking
like he could go all the way.

OK, stay with us, Australia,

because still to come,
three incredible ninjas

on a mission to get to the mountain.

Can the Zak Attack create history
and go back to back?

Jake Baker got here the hard way.

Has he got enough in the tank
to take it to the top,

or will the attack of the teens'
last man standing Saxon Johnstone

grab the title and the cash?

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

JIM: Welcome back
to Sydney Olympic Park

for the season six grand final
of Australian Ninja Warrior.

So far Ashlin Herbert
and Matthew Bowles

have splashed out of stage three,

meaning we are down to our final
three ninjas to take on the course

and get to Mount Midoriyama.

This year our teens have been blowing
us away with their performances,

and in stage three, we have one
phenomenal teen still standing.

He's grown up watching ninja,

and now it's this 17-year-old's
time to shine.

So, let's give it up
for Saxon Johnstone!

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

He was the first teen
up the Warped Wall,

and now Saxon Johnstone
is the last teen standing.

He has hit every buzzer
along the way, bar one,

coming off in the semis.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Watching Saxon this season,

you'd be forgiven for thinking
he's one of our legends,

not a first timer!

A huge amount of support
for our 17-year-old.

Saxon Johnstone,
he is doing it for the teens.

The attack of the teens
has all come down on his shoulders.

This guy is already a champion.

Could he be a legend on his first
season of Australian Ninja Warrior?

Focus, Sax!

Let's go! You got this! Come on!

Ben Polson, Saxon's hero and mentor,
out in stage two,

but still here
cheering on his protege.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

And he is ready to go.
(CHIME SOUNDS)

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Right up on the Salmon Ladder.

Switching to the mixed grip here,
as up he goes.

Turning the other way
for the transition.

Yes, he's across.

You cannot take this one for granted.

Well done so far.

Now he's gotta bring it across
one more time

and then he'll be able to swing out
to the unfixed bar.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Well done, young man!

And now he goes out
to where the bungees lie.

This one, you gotta be careful with.

He's trying to get his hands set
and go for a ride.

CROWD: Send it, Saxon, send it!

One down. So far, so good.

So good!

And the crowd here
is right behind him.

He has so many supporters
and they are loud!

Wow!
Ohh, look at that.

A fall from there, it's...
I tell you...

..a lot of weight to hold!

..it's taking a lot out of him,
I would imagine,

and while there's no clock here,

there is a limited amount of energy,

and that is gonna be the battle
for all of these ninjas

as they try to get through
stage three.

One up! Last one.

It's just the dismount.
It's a long one.

Wow! He gets it.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)
Take a break!

Look how long
it's taking these ninjas

to get through the first obstacle.

We're used to seeing them
get through the first obstacles

in 15, 30 seconds,

but that one took 1:17 seconds,

and now it gets even harder.

Deja Vu.

Yeah, this obstacle
threw off Matthew Bowles

and almost had Ashlin in the water.

It's amazing, Leila.

These athletes are so incredible
at their craft,

but at this stage of the game
in ninja,

it also comes down, in a huge way,
to endurance,

and you cannot fake it.

You either have it or you don't.

He is about to go backwards.

This is something amazing!

There he goes!
Watch this move!

Oh, he's gotta create
a big swing to get up.

And up to the other side.
Did it!

Oh, look at him go!

Yes, he did it, and spans it.

And now he gest to do it again.

That was so much fun,
let's try it again!

(LAUGHS)

Unhooking from the first lip
of this tricky second cradle now.

He's off-kilter.
He's gotta get the other side down.

Oh, he's got it.
Now he can go.

Nice recovery, Saxon Johnstone,
and he's back.

It's this swinging dismount.

And he's off!
Nice!

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Deja Vu done and dusted!

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Two down, three to go.

"Send it, Saxon," it says.
That's what he's doing.

Isn't it remarkable?

This is his first time at ninja

and he is in stage three,
and he is on obstacle three.

CROWD: Saxon, send it!

The Crazy Cliffhanger.

Now, this is as far
as Ashlin got.

Alright, here comes
some interesting transfers.

These are challenging
for any ninja -

and he's gonna span it?

Are you kidding me?

(LAUGHS)
What?

Oh, my goodness.

(LAUGHS) Oh, what about these teens?

They surprise us at every stage.

(AUDIENCE EXCLAIMS)
Oh, no!

He tried to span it.
Almost! Almost!

He needed to send it!

Ahh.
Wow!

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Well done, brother.
That was awesome!

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Mount Midoriyama says,

"Not so soon, buddy.
See you next year."

The Crazy Cliffhanger claims
a second ninja.

Saxon managed to comfortably span
that first gap

and almost made the second,

but his grip on that tiny shelf
just gave way.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Mate! How about it, mate?

So, first season of Ninja Warrior,
stage three of the grand final.

Did you imagine
it was ever gonna be this good?

I never thought I'd get this far,
that's for sure.

It's definitely been
a great experience.

Yep. Yep.

Little bit bummed out about that,
but...

Oh, mate, gee, whiz, you...

And I know that you've been doing it
for your mum as well.

What does it feel like to have her
on the sideline there for you?

Feels great to have her
on the sideline.

No, she's told me
she's been holding back

a couple of tears each run, so...

Don't make me cry now! (LAUGHS)

Oh, unbelievable, mate.

Well, put your hands together
for Saxon Johnstone!

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

It's been one of the biggest stories
of this season of Ninja,

these attacking teens,

and Saxon Johnstone
goes furthest of the youngsters.

(MOMENTOUS MUSIC SWELLS)

LEILA: No prize for that,
unfortunately,

but he should be so proud.

Such an achievement
for a 17-year-old.

Now, that means Ashlin Herbert
is currently in the lead,

but there's still
two more ninjas to run.

Up now is our 2021 champion,

and he is in fine form
to be the first ever ninja

to win furthest fastest
in two seasons back to back.

And he's already climbed
Mount Midoriyama once before.

Can he do it again?

Are you ready for the Zak Attack?

Let's get behind him, Australia.
It's Zak Stolz!

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

If ever there was a time for Zak
to attack, it is now.

We need a ninja through
to Mount Midoriyama.

Could Zak Stolz be the one?

Always a lot of pressure on
the reigning champ to back it up,

but Zak only needs to get past
obstacle three of five,

that Crazy Cliffhanger, to steal
the top spot from Ashlin Herbert.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Yeah, and I just love it
how you said 'only', Jim.

Have you seen this course?

CROWD: Zak Attack! Zak Attack!

The chant goes up.
The crowd wants to see a Zak Attack.

His little fans are here.

They want to see him finish stage
three and get up that mountain.

(CHIME SOUNDS)

And here we go.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Zak up one. Turns around.

Efficient.

Taking no time, Leila.

Let's see him get over.

How high does he go?
Almost to the top.

That was really fast -
and that hip height!

He was practically upside down.
He is hammering this.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Done with the Salmon Ladder.
On to the bungees.

He Zak Attacked that Salmon Ladder,

and now across.

Across and down,

and here we go up two more.

OK. Does he get his flow on here?

One, two.

No, taking time,
'cause you're going up -

not quite as easy to flow.

Oh, he's about to dismount.

That's a pretty smooth start
for the Zak Attack.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Very nice.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Zak's gorgeous support crew happy
the first obstacle is behind him.

Here he goes up to Deja Vu.

Can he climb up the pole?

A lot of these ninjas
going up backwards,

sort of squirrel style,

and then it'll be on to these bars
and flying backwards,

looking for the hook.

Look and load, Zak. Yes!

Wow!
So smooth!

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

This is something new.

He's turning himself around.

Looks like Zak doesn't like
to ride backwards,

and now it's time to go for a flight
and a dismount.

He's got it.

Oh, yes, he does!
Great stuff!

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Through the Deja Vu
on to the Crazy Cliffhanger.

The Cliffhanger has been
a ninja killer tonight.

No-one has finished it.

Get past this
and the top spot is his.

Come on, Zak!
Come on!

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Oooh, Zak!
Ohh!

Alright, is he gonna do a lache?

Yes! Oh, criss-crosses the arms.

That was spectacular!
Wasn't it?

Just one more transfer
and he is in the lead.

Something special here
from Zak Stolz.

Oh, you could hear his fingernails
scrape on the glass!

Unbelievable!
He has made it to the Dungeon!

Ohh!

He is currently our furthest fastest.

Mount Midoriyama is in sight!

But this obstacle is torturous.

This climb is tough.

You can't use your feet
on these spikes.

This is an all-arm exercise,

and you get to the top,
you grab that handle,

and then you lock it in flat,

and then you gotta go
all the way across on the bottom.

He's struggling to get there.
Go, Zak!

Come on, Zak!
Go, Zak!

Come on!
Come on, buddy!

Lock it in!

He's just gonna hang
and rest for a little bit.

Oh, come on!
Can you believe it? Go!

OK.
Lock it in!

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

He's gotta tackle the spikes again,
only now they're vertical.

These guys can dead hang
for so long.

This is actually a ninja at rest,
believe it or not.

(LAUGHTER)

"I'm just taking a break."

Can you... I mean, I'd be down
in two seconds if I tried that.

He is taking all the time he needs
to reset.

He's so close to Mount Midoriyama.

This obstacle and one more
and he's there,

and he's got a tricky lache
at the back end.

Come on, Zak!
This is a nightmare.

Oh, the grip is outstanding!

Defending champion
rise to the challenge!

It's not over yet!
Come on, stick it!

No!
No!

Down!
Into the drink!

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

So far, though, and so fast.

Yep, that was an impressive effort,

but you can just see this stage two
and stage three combined,

it is a lot to ask of even
the defending champ's reserves.

He's smiling, but he is absolutely
wiped out in those forearms.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Yeah, Zak's arms were punished
by this course,

but in the end it was his feet
that didn't help him.

If he had've got them
onto the board first,

it would have
slowed him down slightly

and given him just a bit more time
to make the grab.

But Zak is now in the lead,
and with one ninja still to run,

the $100,000 question -
is it far enough?

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Oh, wow!

Zak, you seem upset, mate.
What's going through your head?

Oh... no, could have had the catch,
just kicked the wall.

Definitely gassed me out, but.

What do you think about this
stage three grand final course?

Oh, that is a brutal stage three.
Yeah.

That's not one to be underestimated.

That's very, very bumpy.
Yep.

Very taxing,
and that Cliffhanger sucks!

(LAUGHTER)

Did you actually scratch
your fingernails

down the final Cliffhanger there?

Pretty sure I did.
You can have a look.

They're starting
to flake off a little bit.

Oh, wow!
(AUDIENCE EXCLAIMS)

Just how small that little cliff is,
isn't it?

Uh, it's pretty tiny.

It's, yeah,
just really awkward movements.

He's a champ!
Oh!

Zak Stolz, the Zak attack!

Let's give it up for Zak Stolz!
Zak Attack is back!

Hell of a run from the champ!

What a gun! Well done, mate.

Go get some rest, brother.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

JIM: There's one more ninja to run.

Can Jake Baker go one better
and make it to Mount Midoriyama?

The nail-biting conclusion
of Australian Ninja Warrior next.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Welcome back to the season six grand
final of Australian Ninja Warrior.

LEILA: We started this season
with 150 elite ninjas.

Now only one is in the running
to face the mountain.

Although he splashed out
in stage two,

the determination this ninja brought
on his second attempt

proves that he's more than capable
of reaching the summit.

And he's ready to take down
stage three.

It's ninja favourite Jake Baker.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

The police officer from Melbourne

has never been in stage three before.

To get here, he has hit

every buzzer in front of him

in an incredible display

of endurance and determination.

But can he do what no-one else
has done tonight?

Can Jake Baker go all the way?

WOODY: If he can get through this

after already going through
the obstacles twice

at stage two of the grand final,

this is legend status, no doubt.

This is what we love about sports.

This is what we love about ninja.

What do you have in your heart,
in your guts?

What do you have in your mind?

What can you overcome?
This is asking a lot.

$100,000 up for grabs
for the furthest fastest,

and the only thing standing
between Jake and that prize money

is Zak Stolz.

He's been put through the wringer
already tonight.

Can he give it one final go here
on stage three

and get a crack at Mount Midoriyama?

We're about to find out.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Yes! The crowd wants it.
We all want it. Jake Baker.

(CHIME SOUNDS)

And here he goes onto
the Criss Cross Salmon Ladder.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Spins around.

You can't take anything for granted
on this course.

You gotta land them all.
That's two to the good.

Get one more up here,
and then he can make the cross.

Great work by Jake Baker so far.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Getting his swing on.

Across he goes.
Come on, Jake!

That was firm, Leila.
That was excellent!

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Just resting those arms.
Yep.

About to take on the bungees.

A taxing first obstacle,
but a lot on offer here.

One up! Three to go.

Taking it slow, but time means
nothing. He needs to beat Zak.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)
Come on, Jake.

There he goes.
Hanging in there.

He is hanging in there.
Come on, Jake.

Core strength. Up you go.

Nice job. Dismount time.

Big swing!

That was... that was a nice woof!

Oooh, I like that landing.

Took a little extra
barrel roll with him.

No pressure here, Jake.

Just the hopes of the entire
Australian Ninja Warrior community

on your shoulders.

They all cheer for each other.

It is magnificent to watch,
and so is Jake.

Here he goes, up to the Deja Vu.

Here we go.

Did you ever cheer on Pat Rafter
back in the day?

When he was my doublers partner,
yes.

Otherwise no.
(LAUGHS) Definitely not.

Deja Vu. Here we go again.

Come on, Jake!

Yes, that was nice!
That was pretty! That was pretty!

That really was smooth, Leila.

He's gotta get this one
out of this tricky lock.

There it goes.

Time for the swing.

Oh, no!
(AUDIENCE EXCLAIMS)

Oh, he survived!
Just shot through there.

When have you ever seen that?!

(LAUGHS) What about that?

Genuinely spat out by Deja Vu there.

Inches, inches from the water there.

Let's have a quick look at that.

That was close.
He's looking at the landing.

I don't think he slipped,
I think he released early.

Either way, he's still alive
and in the hunt,

and it's getting serious now.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Jake Baker is chasing down Zak Stolz
one obstacle at a time.

If he can complete the next two,
he'll be $100,000 richer.

If he can beat the next three,
Mount Midoriyama awaits.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

OK, now I'm starting to get worried.

I'm backing Jake all the way,
but the Crazy Cliffhanger is insane.

Come on, Jake. Dig deep, buddy.

Ohhh!
No! No!

(AUDIENCE EXCLAIMS)

Ohhh!
The dream is over, Leila.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Unbelievable effort.
What a man. What a man.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Jake Baker, take a bow.

You've done some work tonight
and shown plenty of heart.

What a season you've had.

The courses this season have been
some of our toughest ever,

and while Mount Midoriyama remains
unconquered for another year,

we will need to crown our winner
for 2022.

(MOMENTOUS MUSIC BUILDS)

The $100,000 prize

goes to the man from
the Mornington Peninsula.

Not only that,

the Zak Attack has made
Australian Ninja Warrior history

by becoming the first to win
two seasons back to back.

Congratulations, Zak Stolz.

(MOMENTOUS MUSIC SWELLS)

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Wow! Zak Stolz!
Wow, Zak!

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Go, baby!

Zak, some say that winning the first
time might be the toughest,

and some say defending
is even harder.

How was it for you?
Oh, pretty difficult season.

This course - all these courses
were just next level.

Super duper hard,

and to be up against
some amazing competition up here

was just... over the moon.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Alright, let's get the trophy going.

Will and Woody have some
hardware for you. Well done!

There we go, mate! Well done!

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

There he is -
the champ two years in a row.

(MOMENTOUS MUSIC CONTINUES)

An incredible season we've had here
on Australian Ninja Warrior.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Join us for Australian Ninja Warrior
Record Breakers tomorrow night.

These guys smashing world records.

Do not miss it.
Until then, we'll see you.

Goodnight.
Goodnight, Australia.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Last year, two Aussies
broke the world record

for the highest Warped Wall,

and tomorrow night,
your favourites are back

to smash even more records.

If there's ever a chance
for a record to be broken,

it's with the crew
you're gonna see today.

WILL: It's Australian Ninja Warrior
Record Breakers...

ZAK: These are elite ninjas,

and to have to go to your limit
against the best of the best

is something special.

..where ninja aim to go higher...

He's done it!
(LAUGHS)

..faster...

Ohhh!

..further...

He can't believe it!
It's not...

He can't believe it!

..and... whatever this is

in a dash for $75,000 cash.

That's pretty appetising.

In a night of fun...

I'm the oldest guy out there,
I'm the shortest guy out there,

and the rest of them all have hair.

..fierce competition...

They're going down!

..and fingers crossed,
new world records!

There'll be a record set.