Original subtitles

(WIND BLOWS)

(HORN HONKS IN THE DISTANCE)

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

BEN FORDHAM: It's time for the new season...

REBECCA MADDERN: Oh, my goodness! Oh!

..of Australian Ninja Warrior.

Oh, stop it! Yes!

How good was that!

This year, there's a new breed of ninjas...

Here we are in Tully, on top of the Golden Gumboot!

..inspired to go further.

WOMAN: I've been an elite athlete for 20 years.

I don't shy away from challenges.

Yeah, us country blokes can mingle with the best of 'em.

Everyday Australians get their shots.

MAN: The garbage run - people say, "How do you do it?"

I enjoy hard work.

When I see all these ninjas with their big muscles...

That is muscle on muscle on muscle.

I don't need to be pretty and attract girls.

(CHEERING) Oh, my goodness me.

(WOMAN LAUGHS)

And your favourites are back.

FREDDIE FLINTOFF: Ashlin Herbert just carving this course up.

'The Disco Ninja' is back.

The man, the legend - Jack Wilson.

'The Barefoot Ninja'.

My goal is to win it.

Yes! She's got it! She's got it! What?!

I want to be the first female to win ever.

(SQUEALS)

2019 brings big changes...

Welcome to our new home in Melbourne.

..a new course, the toughest in the world.

Oh, no! No, no, no! Just comes up short!

There will be a winner.

Furthest fastest takes home $100,000.

You're a megastar!

I'm generally not the fastest...

HOSTS: Oh!

..so I'll probably have to be the furthest.

The all-new 5.2m Mega Warped Wall.

FREDDIE: This is a whole metre higher.

I know I can get that red button. Oh!

There's $5,000 sitting there at the top.

But rising above it all, Mount Midoriyama.

Whoever can conquer it will claim a massive $300,000

and the title of Australia's first Ninja Warrior.

Oh, my word! He's putting a show on!

This is remarkable. We haven't seen anything like this.

The winner of Australian Ninja Warrior 2019 goes to...

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Hello, and welcome to a brand-new season of Australian Ninja Warrior.

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

And welcome to our new home in my home town of Melbourne.

The Ninja Warrior course has been completely rebuilt this year.

It is bigger, harder and more exhilarating than ever before.

We have brand-new obstacles that will challenge our returning ninjas

as well as our new athletes.

There are some big changes coming,

not least of which the Double Warped Wall.

To explain all about that, Freddie Flintoff. Good evening.

FREDDIE: Thanks, Ben. How cool is this!

We've got our standard Warped Wall of 4.25m

but this is a whole metre higher

at 5.25m.

And I've got it on good authority there isn't a wall this big

anywhere in Australia,

so whoever takes on this monster

is gonna have to be absolutely fearless.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

But just like our standard Warped Wall,

contestants will get three chances to reach the top

and smash the buzzer.

And if they do, they'll win an instant $5,000.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

And that's not the only prize on offer, Freddie.

This year, the ninja who goes furthest fastest in our grand final

will be declared the season winner and pocket $100,000 cash.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Plus, any ninja who can make it to the top of Mount Midoriyama

will be crowned Australia's first Ninja Warrior

and win a whopping $300,000.

Now, this new Melbourne course is enormous.

To complete it and earn a shot at Mount Midoriyama,

our ninjas will ultimately have to beat 35 obstacles.

Tonight in the heats, they face the first six

in what is by far the toughest heats course we've seen.

It all starts with the Floating Steps,

a much harder obstacle than last year's Quintuple Steps.

The pads are half the size and further apart,

with each step higher than the last.

The Swing Surfer is a huge agility test -

a 3m spring from a mini tramp to a narrow platform

which starts swinging the moment they land.

Obstacle three tests foot speed.

It's the Tuning Forks.

They spin at the slightest misstep

and for added pressure, they're not in a straight line.

The upper body starts to burn on the Rolling Steel -

arm-cycling 6.6m up a floating track.

But it's agility and arm work needed for the Spinball Wizard.

Ninjas lache across three sets of twisting bars.

The middle set has balls to grip, making for a tricky catch.

Come this far and it's a massive decision -

the relative safety of the Warped Wall

or attempt the Mega Warped Wall.

It's a metre higher.

Ninjas risk not completing the course

but if they make it up, there's $5,000 cash waiting for them.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Tonight is the first of five heats,

with only the top 18 from each heat

making it through to the semifinals.

After that, the grand final, a potential shot at Mount Midoriyama

and the title of Australia's first Ninja Warrior.

Ben, it's time. You reckon?

Mm-hm. Let's bring 'em out.

The first of our ninjas for 2019.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

From regional Victoria, he is our first ninja

and our first ever dairy farmer.

Welcome to the course Bradley Vanderland.

BRADLEY: Yeah, I had a phone call and answered the phone

and, yeah, it was Ninja Warrior ringing to tell me

that I've made it through.

Oh... (OTHERS LAUGH)

Whoo!

(LAUGHS) Yay!

And then I realised that I've never trained for anything in my life.

I'm from Denison, in East Gippsland in Victoria.

I work on the dairy farm here.

There's always something physical -

jumping a fence so you don't get zapped or chasing a calf.

I milk 400 cows here in the morning...

(COW MOOS)

..go inside for a nice brekkie and a cup of tea.

I definitely don't have any Ninja Warrior course out here

but, you know, us country blokes can mingle with the next of them.

No matter where you're from or what you do,

I think if it's something you want, you'll get the job done.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

FREDDIE: On the start of the Ninja Warrior course.

Alright? He calls himself a yobbo. He looks alright to me.

Yeah, well, he's got a good build for a Ninja.

187cm tall. He weighs just 75 kilos.

Go, Dad!

Wife Lauren and the kids keen to get season three started,

like we all are.

Absolutely. And have a look at this. This is the first obstacle.

Those pads are half the size of last year

and they're 20cm further apart.

(DING!)

Bradley Vanderland.

Oh, he's off to a great start.

Lightning fast on the Floating Steps.

And he's through to the Swing Surfer.

This has got to be the toughest second obstacle we have ever seen.

Let's see how he hits this trampoline.

Wise to test it first of all. Very wise.

Go! Bang! He's done it.

Oh, he's easily onto the Swing Surfer.

He's manoeuvring himself round. And he is off!

(CHEERING) He makes that jump.

Yes.

Bradley looking strong as he turns the corner.

And we get our first look at obstacle three.

This is the Tuning Forks.

You can't see yet, but you will.

Each fork spins independently.

OK. Softly. Softly. And he's off...

Oh, no! Oh!

Bradley Vanderland!

AUDIENCE MEMBERS: Oh!

Bradley, Bradley, Bradley!

The dairy farmer.

Should've gone on the udder one.

Those Tuning Forks, they are diabolical.

The further you go, the tougher they get.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Bradley, how are you, mate? Have you seen anything like this course?

Like the Tuning Forks?

No. No, nothing. Different to previous years.

We've got the replay of your fall on the big screen.

Come on, here we go. As you step on them, they just start moving.

Your ankles are a bit wobbly there, aren't they?

Yeah. Missed your footing.

Just nearly clung on.

Well, I didn't feel the first one spinning at all and I just...

Yeah, the last one spun on me. It was a great effort.

Your family and friends are down on the sideline.

You get back to them. Ladies and gentlemen, Bradley!

Well done, mate. Thanks very much.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Last season, six amazing women made it up the Warped Wall in the heats.

They inspired a new breed, who've been training hard for this year.

The first of those is Sally Cross.

Hi. My name's Sally Cross.

I'm 27 years old, I live on the Gold Coast

and I'm a tradie lady.

When guys find out I'm an electrician,

people are always a bit shocked.

They've normally got a couple of questions for me

or they're a bit intimidated by me.

As an electrician, pretty much all day, every day, it's hand tools,

you know, whether that be drills or compression tools,

crimping tools, pliers, screwdrivers, anything.

You know, that natural kind of grip strength,

you know, has also helped me hugely with ninja-style training.

Yeah, so I'm really, really excited

to get to the Melbourne Ninja course.

On the sidelines, I will have my mum.

She's driven across the Nullarbor to watch me take on the course.

It took her five days.

She'll be cheering me on.

I'm pretty sure she's gonna cry. I'm pretty sure. (LAUGHS)

And how great is this - her mum Cheryl has driven all the way

from Sally's home town of Bunbury in WA.

That's a loyal mum.

Hey, Sal! Sally! Whoo!

Sally Cross. I tell you what, you can't help but like this girl.

She's come to Ninja Warrior, big fan of the show,

rubbing shoulders with some of her heroes.

Sally's the tallest woman in tonight's heat.

She is 175cm.

And funnily enough, that's exactly how far apart these pads are.

Whoo-hoo! Whoo!

Ben, see how low she's landing?

You actually want to be up there at the top of the triangle.

You can see she's struggling with the distance a little.

Well done, though. She is nearly through.

Well done.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Come on, Sal! Bloody ripper!

Now the Swing Surfer.

It's 3m from the mini tramp to the platform

and that thing can really take off when you hit it.

Forward, Sal. Forward.

Forward.

She's only got a short run-up. Really needs to attack the tramp.

She's off. No!

Sally!

WOMAN: No!

Just didn't get enough bounce.

That's it, Freddie.

Sally had another metre of run-up she could've taken

and she needed it.

The lighter athletes need to hit the tramp at speed

to get enough spring,

but sadly, the sparky came up short.

You were amazing. You were just fantastic.

I'm so proud. I'm so proud of you.

Look at you, with your game face on, darling.

Well done, sparky Sal.

Let's go down to Freddie. He's with a very familiar face.

How are they going, Freddie?

I'm in the warm-up gym area and round me is none other...

I can't even keep up with him.

It's Australia's fastest ninja, Ashlin 'Flashlin' Herbert.

And this time he's brought two of his best mates with him -

Zak and Troy.

Come here, lads. Just come in here for a second.

Let's have a chat with you.

I've heard you've got a bit of a nickname.

Yeah, I do. I do. What is it?

'Dirt'. Your nickname's 'Dirt'.

Come on, tell me why.

Well, it's because I'm always dirty.

I've always got mud all over me.

You look clean to me. You've had a wash.

But you two, I've heard that you can give this lad a run for his money.

People are saying that you two are even faster.

It's worth a crack.

What else can you do besides give him a run for his money?

About time he has someone to show him up.

What do you reckon, Ash? Do you reckon they've got a mark on you?

Yeah, I reckon they could give it a good crack.

Really? Yeah.

They might be faster. They don't talk even more than you, do you?

Bloomin' heck.

BEN: Well, they may not be flash on the chat, but they can run.

Our next ninja is on course and ready to go.

You can't miss him.

He's a world bodybuilding champion.

He is huge.

Kwame Duah.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

(STRAINS)

(STRAINS)

People always talk about my quads.

I've had different names - 'Quadzilla', you name it.

Even people have used my name Kwame - 'Quad-me'.

They are my strongest muscle group.

They outshine my whole body.

They are around 76cm in circumference.

First impressions people usually get is,

"Oh, my god. This guy's big. He's a monster."

Like, you know, they might get a little bit scared.

Why Ninja Warrior? It's amazing. It's been a challenge.

It's been such different training to what I usually would do.

(STRAINS)

When I do anything, I go 100%,

so that's what I'm aiming for,

going for the Ninja Warrior champions

and I'm leaving no stones unturned.

I'm not sure if I'm seeing this right.

Kwame Duah. Look at the size of the legs on this lad.

They're like tree trunks. Look at the size of him.

Oh, he's milking it now. Look at him.

Why wouldn't you? If you looked like that, you'd have a go.

PEOPLE: (CHANT) Kwame! Kwame!

On the sidelines, Kwame's sister Ophia.

That's the spirit.

Now, he tips the scales at 104, 104 kilos,

one of our heaviest this season.

(DING!)

(AUDIENCE MEMBERS SHOUT ENCOURAGEMENT)

OK, the good news is the steps have not broken

under the weight of Kwame Duah's gigantic thighs.

Take your time.

This one is all about leg strength.

Absolutely zero problems there.

Yes. Big jump now.

He's through.

(CHEERING)

(STOMPS)

Good job!

I'm guessing there's not a lot of mini-tramp work in his training.

This is gonna test Kwame. Hard.

FREDDIE: Here he goes.

Setting himself. Getting ready for the Swing Surfer.

Kwame. Long jump, hug.

Here he goes. Kwame Duah about...

Whoa, whoa, whoa. He's had a refusal.

No matter how big you are, it's in here, mate. In here.

Come on, Kwame. You've just got to do it, Kwame.

Oh, he sort of flew... Oh, and he's hanging on!

Oh, my goodness me! Oh!

Whoa, Kwame! Go on, son! Get up, lad!

I thought he'd got it... I thought he'd fallen!

Using them tree trunks of legs! Yes!

He's getting back up on his knees, then he'll get on his feet.

But you know the problem he's gonna have? Yeah?

The momentum is running out here on this swing.

Yes, it is. He'd better hurry up and go.

Otherwise... He's gotta go the next time.

Otherwise it's too late.

Go now. No, it's gone.

I don't think he can do it from there.

(AUDIENCE MEMBERS CLAP AND SHOUT ENCOURAGEMENT)

Yep. Swing.

He's got to make his move.

Now or never, Kwame. Come on, Kwame!

HOSTS: Oh!

He had a go, didn't he? Kwame Duah.

No! Oh!

Kwame.

They call him 'Kwame the Tsunami'

because when those thighs hit the water...

Hang on... Just... Just... ..it makes waves.

We'll just have a moment here, Ben.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Oh, my goodness me.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

(LAUGHS) Blimey, I enjoyed that.

Wow. Anyway... I can't stop looking!

When you got onto the first bit on the Swing Surfer,

it was an amazing save.

What was going through your mind?

I literally don't know.

I heard the crowd cheering for me

and I'm, like, "Just gotta give it everything," you know.

Yeah, well, you definitely did that.

We can actually see it again.

We can see the moment you jumped onto the Swing Surfer.

Just over your shoulder, behind you, Kwame, on the big screen.

Here you go. Just talk us through this, Kwame.

Wow. (LAUGHS)

I don't know what's going through my mind then

but, you know, I had the support of the crowd

and you guys helped me push further than I ever even thought I could.

You got to the second obstacle, Kwame.

Come on, they didn't push you that much.

(LAUGHS) Kwame, absolute star.

Cheers, buddy.

Kwame the Tsunami and those dancing pecs have made a splash

but there's a whole new wave of ninjas on their way.

Coming up, last season's furthest fastest,

'Robot' Rob Patterson.

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

Wow. This is incredible.

He's back and feeling the pressure to defend his title.

It's exciting and terrifying at the same time.

Also ahead, the man many think is most likely to take Rob's crown.

FREDDIE: Ashlin Herbert just carving this course up.

He is on track to be the fastest tonight.

The quickest of them all, 'Flashlin' Herbert.

Plus, there's a host of imposing newcomers,

including one of the toughest ninjas we've ever seen...

(EXCLAIMS)

..four-time world boxing champ Susie Q.

I'm all about creating history.

I want to now do it on Australia's Ninja.

This bloke ran a marathon with a washing machine on his back.

MAN: Looking good, alright? Looking good.

Can Dave Garvin cross the finish line tonight?

He was a superstar for the NRL...

COMMENTATOR: Vunakece!

..whose career was cut tragically short.

I was advised by a doctor to stop playing.

Can Eloni Vunakece conquer the Mega Warped Wall?

He's up after the break.

Welcome back to our first heat in season three

of Australian Ninja Warrior.

This is the first step on the road

in tackling the greatest challenge of all,

Mount Midoriyama.

Unconquered in season one and two,

will season three be the year someone finally does it?

Good thing our next ninja is used to scaling heights.

He's champion rock climber Steven Gardner.

I used to be ranked in the top ten in rock climbing in the country...

'96 to 2011...

Has-been.

..so the kids haven't really seen what I do.

I've got three boys, aged ten, eight and six.

Are all into nippers. They're all very active.

Get out of my way! It's about me!

So I really want to show them that I can still do something

and...

Finn? ..I can do and conquer things...

Finny... This is about me, Finny. Get down. Get down. Get down.

The reason I came on the show

was for the kids to see me doing something extraordinary,

not something average

and they're super excited to see me have a go.

That's the... The street cred has improved a lot.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

FREDDIE: At the start is Steve Gardner, from New South Wales,

a rock-climbing instructor and a real dark horse in this competition.

Dad!

Wife Eva and the nippers so excited to see Dad up there

and I reckon Dad is pretty keen to show them something

very special here tonight.

I think so. He's super fit.

182cm. 81 kilos.

He was a top ten rock-climbing champ

but he gave it up when those little kids were born.

(DING!)

Rock-climbers usually do well.

Here goes Steve Gardner, starting off on the Floating Steps.

First time on the Ninja Warrior course.

Just want to take his time, calm the nerves.

Safely through.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Come on, Dad!

Go, Daddy! "Go, Daddy!"

It just gets harder from here.

The Swing Surfer next.

The key on the Swing Surfer

is get plenty of distance off the trampoline

but keep all your weight going forward.

Any ninja leaning back will end up in the water.

Here he comes. Well done, sir. Very smooth.

Yeah, don't stay on there too long, though,

because it can run out of momentum like it did with Kwame.

He's off. (LAUGHS)

Now, is this the man who's going to be the first tonight

to get past the Tuning Forks?

Now, these Tuning Forks - so daunting.

They would spin in a light breeze.

Got to step right on top

because the pad where you put your foot is very small.

Come on, Daddy!

And there's a curve on the side.

If you hit the curve, they start spinning like that

and then you end up in the water.

The slightest misstep and you're in all sorts of trouble.

The key to this is stepping straight down on the forks.

See Steve's left foot there?

He's missed the top, so he's pushing his foot back,

he loses balance and, well, he never recovers.

Look how proud those boys are.

Aw!

What a great family.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Our next ninja is unforgettable.

Absolutely is.

He's represented Fiji in two rugby league World Cups

and was a cult figure with the NRL side the Roosters.

It is Eloni Vunakece.

ELONI: I first started playing rugby league when I was six years old.

Been lucky enough to represent a great club in the Sydney Roosters.

COMMENTATOR: Vunakece!

Across the career, I probably had 15 total concussions.

In the last 12 months, I had about ten.

I was advised by a doctor to stop playing.

I really thought to myself, "What's next?"

Oooh! Oooh!

I've got four beautiful kids and a beautiful wife

that I have to take care of...

(EXCLAIMS)

..so you've got to keep the money coming in.

I needed a job after footy finished.

So, the garbage run, people say, "How do you do it?"

I just look at it as a challenge and I enjoy hard work,

so it's all good - it's all part of my scope and spectrum alive.

My decision, I guess, to jump on board for Ninja

was I'd pulled away from footy, so I'd lost that competitive edge.

It just gave me that drive to want to compete again and...

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE) Wow. This bloke is a unit.

Super, super fit.

KIDS: Go, Dad!

Oh, this family is picture-perfect.

That's his wife Melissa

and the two little ones are up in the stands

and the two older ones, that's Gigi and Lola,

are right down there on the sideline.

That's a genetically blessed family, that's for sure.

Aren't they what! Here he goes.

Eloni about to take to the course.

He's a big lad. He's got some weight to lug round this course.

Wouldn't back against him, though. (DING!)

Yeah, you wouldn't bet against him.

He's huge!

102 kilos.

And so far, moving that big frame well through obstacle number one.

And now he's through.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE) Yay, Dad!

OK, gonna be interesting to see how he goes on the tramp.

I don't think, with his background,

he would've done a lot of mini-tramp work.

It really usually suits the gymnasts.

Let's see.

Oh, he tackles the pole! Nearly takes it out!

That's got to be his NRL training in action.

Great work. Never in doubt.

Now, this is another test of very big man on very small steps.

No-one's beaten the Tuning Forks yet. Is Eloni gonna be the first?

Here he goes.

Fast feet. Really fast feet!

He carves it! Yay!

He's the first of the heat to make it.

Now, this is our first look at the Rolling Steel.

It's all about the upper body.

He's got to crank this bar uphill.

Oh, look at this! Look at the power!

That track is 6.6m and he did it in about four seconds.

Obstacle four done. Go, Eloni.

Yay!

Just one last obstacle between Eloni and the Warped Walls.

It's the Spinball Wizard.

These handlebars spin and he has to lache his way across the pool.

Just to help with a few dimensions here on the Spinball Wizard,

this first jump is 2.8m

from the centre of the trampoline to the first set of handlebars.

Eloni, go for it!

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

The next one is 1.9m

and you're going from the bars to the balls,

which makes it harder if you're going from...

Grip... He's allowed to do that.

Oh, he goes up on the silver at the top. Oh!

Fantastic run, Eloni. So close to the end.

Go, Dad!

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE) Oh, yeah. Take a bow. Take a bow.

For such a massive man, Eloni showed the lightest of feet

getting across the Tuning Forks

and he had the Spinball Wizard's measure too

but grabbed too high on the second bar

and just lost control as he tried to work his way down.

But what an athlete.

Mate, it was going so... Hang on. It's like a wet dog.

(LAUGHTER) Mate, it was going so well.

Have you trained specifically for this

or is this just a natural physique?

I'm lucky I was a professional athlete for a long time,

much like yourself.

It's very kind of you to say I was a professional athlete

but I can say I never looked like that.

But how did you find the course?

On the start, how were the nerves going?

You just block everything out, as you do...

I was actually really happy to get past the forks.

I was a bit surprised. I surprised myself there.

And just missed the grip on the ball up there.

But, no, it's great fun. I loved every second of it.

Mate, it was a great run.

We're gonna see how you go later to see if you reach the semifinal

but we'd love to see you back.

Ladies and gentlemen, big round of applause for Eloni!

Well done, mate. Top man. Thank you.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE) (GIRL SQUEALS)

Oh!

It's every little girl's dream to be carried by their daddy like that...

Just about to do some bicep curls with the little girls.

Oh, how sweet.

Still to come...

He hosts kids' parties and writes poetry on the side,

but will Alex Cusack be poetry in motion tonight?

On a scale of one to 1,000, how good is my chances of Ninja Warrior?

KIDS: 1,000.

He's flatmates with the Deadly Ninja, Jack Wilson.

A brother boy of mine that I've grown up with for quite a while now.

And now Danial Wyles-Wall reckons he's got the skills to smash it.

Speed, agile and strength. (LAUGHS)

And after the break, who can forget the bacon?

Bring home the bacon! (WOMAN LAUGHS)

Bring home the bacon!

Celeste Dixon is back and so is our favourite sideline dad.

Go, you good thing! Go, you good thing!

The KFC Youth Foundation is a proud supporter

of Australia's youth and Ninja Warrior.

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

the KFC Youth Foundation will donate $1,000

to their charity partners.

Welcome back to Ninja Warrior,

in Australia's sporting capital, Melbourne.

And a raft of first-time competitors

are staking their claim for the Ninja crown.

Yeah, over the break, Jindabyne service station owner

Owen Plum

just didn't have enough juice.

Hit that tramp.

Great work. Oh, no!

And Melbourne logger Max Hertan led with his face.

Bounds through the air...

Nuh, nuh, nuh, nuh, nuh. Oh, dear.

Max Hertan. I told you he'd be hurtin'.

Oh, you did it again.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Yep, I've got a washing machine on me back. Get over it.

It's because Dave Garvin, our next ninja,

did the Melbourne Marathon with this strapped to his back.

It's 40kg. It's heavy.

I'm a big lad - I'm struggling.

He's only small. How did he carry this?

My big passion is doing kind of crazy endurance events.

I run marathons wearing costumes or big mascot suits.

My recent one was carrying a washing machine.

Full-size washing machine. 40kg. Took me nearly eight hours.

Yeah, it was pretty brutal. It's good to halfway.

Then it's a mental game from that point.

MAN: Looking good. Looking good, alright? Looking good.

All the best, yeah?

I don't just do it for myself. I do it for charity.

The lid was open,

so people were throwing coins in it on the way round,

so it was getting heavier and heavier.

To date, I've raised about...

It's sitting around $30,000 at the moment.

(CHEERING)

PEOPLE: Let's go, Dave! Let's go! (RHYTHMIC CLAPS)

Dave Garvin's mates there, Kyle, Amy and Chris,

with him every step of the way on the marathon

and with him again tonight.

(DING!) (CHEERING)

Well, Dave Garvin should be feeling light.

No washing machine on his back tonight.

Here he goes on the Floating Steps.

MAN: You got it!

I'm not gonna lie. I reckon I'm doing it harder than him.

Yeah, right. The Swing Surfer up next.

We've seen plenty fall short on this, Ben.

Big jump, Dave.

Well, he bangs his head on the ball. Takes one in the chops.

But he's still going. (CHEERING)

Freddie Flintoff is struggling there on the sideline

to keep up with Dave Garvin.

Here he is, on the Tuning Forks.

I'm trying to catch up. I've got a washing machine on me back.

MAN: Don't think, just do!

Here he goes. Through the Tuning Forks.

Hold on, Dave! I've got a load on here.

(CHEERING)

He is executing every obstacle near textbook.

It's actually perfect.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

This is also perfect.

This guy has not put a foot wrong so far.

Coming up to the second-last obstacle.

(CHEERING) Lands.

Yes! Go, Dave!

How did he carry this for a full marathon?

Never mind him on that course. Try carrying this!

Freddie is blowing harder than Dave.

HOSTS: Oh!

What a splash!

No, Dave!

Another ninja falling just short on the Spinball Wizard.

Take a look at this.

A massive head knock on the Swing Surfer.

But Dave recovered to account for the Tuning Forks and Rolling Steel

but the Spinball had his measure.

Still no-one to the Warped Walls.

Alright, David? Oopsy-daisy. Hang on. Are you alright?

Oh, he's... Swallowed a bit of water there, Dave, have you?

I did, yeah.

How the hell did you carry this all the way around a marathon?

I know... Just good support from my mates.

They pushed me every kilometre of the way.

And can you talk us through what went wrong,

just because I was somewhere way back there,

not being able to keep up with you with this on me back.

I was confident I could hold on.

If I got it one hand, I was confident. Oh, well.

Well, Dave, it was a great effort.

Can you take your washing machine back, please? I've had enough.

(LAUGHTER) Thank you.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Now a Ninja family favourite,

one of just six women to conquer the Warped Wall

in the heats last year.

And Celeste Dixon has done it!

You ripper! (SLAMS BUZZER)

An ex-gymnast who goes by the name of 'The Aerial Ninja',

Celeste Dixon.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Guess who's back - her proud dad Steve on the sideline.

It's all mental, Celeste!

Celeste made the semis in season one

and two

and with her gymnastics background,

she should be strong on the Spinball Wizard,

which means a great shot

at getting to the Mega Warped Wall.

There's nothing you can't conquer!

(DING!)

Celeste Dixon underway for season three.

WOMAN: Yeah, good girl. Good girl. Concentrate. Concentrate.

You wouldn't back against her to be the first ninja of the night

to get to the top of the Warped Wall,

possibly the Mega Warped Wall.

BEC: She's being very cautious on the Floating Steps

for somebody who has been here before.

Concentrate.

Oh, just a slight stumble there on the last of the Floating Steps

but recover...

Her dad Steve on the sideline... Yes!

That's what I'm talkin' about!

..living every moment of this with her.

Just keep your eyes on Steve.

Yeah, this is a 3m jump from the trampoline to the surfboard.

You can do this!

You grab that pole!

Oooh, Celeste... Grab it, grab it, grab it, grab it.

Oh... And that's what experience does for you.

She didn't panic, although she was in all sorts of trouble.

And the landing was good as well.

Oh, dear. Steve's heart rate is about 210.

It's all mental!

Celeste Dixon really attacked the Swing Surfer.

She'll have to do the same on the Tuning Forks -

again, an obstacle so many ninjas have struggled with tonight.

Take it easy.

One, two, three.

One, two, three. Six steps standing in her way.

She makes all six. (CHEERING)

And a forward roll to finish it.

Steve is already celebrating.

Now, this is a walk in the park!

And with her background, the Rolling Steel,

she should feel quite comfortable on,

though she just doesn't want to leave the platform right now.

And you've got to say, not as smooth as some we've seen tonight.

She's sort of wrestling the bar, looking a bit fatigued, in fact.

Celeste Dixon gets ready to finish off the Rolling Steel.

Oh! Yes!

Spinball Wizard - impassable so far. Can Celeste beat it?

Just when you think you've got through a hard obstacle,

the next one is even harder.

You can do this! It's mental!

Oh, Celeste, this is nerve-racking for everybody.

No bed of roses!

This really means a lot to her, Ben, doesn't it?

It means everything. No pleasure cruise!

You can do this! Come on, Celeste.

Let's have a look at the launch. Yeah!

Oh! Oh, no!

One hand... No, no, no!

..but not enough. Gave it her best shot.

That's bloody awesome.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Can you believe it?

Not even Celeste Dixon can beat the Spinball Wizard.

She would make that jump every day of the week in the gym

but tonight she barely touched the bars.

That's Ninja for you.

Celeste, I was just watching on the side -

your dad Steve, he lives every moment of the course with you.

I think he was sweating down there as well, shouting.

Do you listen to any advice that he gives you?

He said it was mental and it is. It's a very mental course.

Well done, Celeste!

It's actually... (CHEERING)

You've still got a chance of making the semifinal,

depending on how the other competitors do.

Celeste, always a pleasure. Well done. Go and join your dad.

Well, they're quite a pair, Freddie, Celeste and dad Steve.

And you're right -

she's got a very strong chance of being in the top 18 tonight

and earning a place in the semis.

STEVE: So good. So good.

Top of the leader board, Dave Garvin,

ahead of leaguey, Eloni Vunakece.

Celeste is currently third,

dairy farmer Bradley Vanderland fourth,

rock-climbing dad Steve Gardner fifth.

BEC: But we're still waiting -

no ninja has faced the big decision of the night.

Do they go for the safety of the wall they know

or try to take on the Mega Warped Wall for a shot at the five grand?

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Coming up...

Sheena Steinert crashed out early in seasons one and two.

Oh!

What went on? (SCREAMS)

(BEEP) Sorry.

She's spent 12 months preparing for round three.

She's back, fitter, stronger and faster than ever before.

I'm quietly confident and I think tonight's my night.

We'll see. Up next, Troy Cullen.

He learned his skills from best mate Ashlin Herbert.

He's in with a chance and he's got the fan club to prove it.

I'm sat with the support crowd of a new young ninja

and he's called 'Dirt'.

How's he... Oh, Dirt... Is it Dirt? Yes.

Are you excited for him to run tonight?

Very. Very excited.

Well, show us, then. (CHEERS)

There we go. They're excited!

Come back after the break and it's a bit of Dirt time.

PEOPLE: (CHANT) Dirt! Dirt! Dirt! Dirt! Dirt! Dirt! Dirt!

Welcome back to Melbourne

and the all-new Australian Ninja Warrior,

where our ninjas' mission to take on the Mega Warped Wall

is being thwarted by this brand-new course.

Over the break, cake decorator Lauren Shakespeare

was iced on the Floating Steps.

Oh! Lauren Shakespeare!

It was much ado about nothing in the end.

Submariner Josh Day took a dive.

There he goes. Oh, no... Oh, he's just short.

While glory slipped through the fingers of gymnast Lachlan Walker.

Bouncing high... Oh, he slipped! What a mistake that was!

It was going so well!

Next up, a man named Dirt,

who Ashlin Herbert reckons has got what it takes.

Dirt?

So, I've got a few mates with me this year.

I know them all through gymnastics.

(MEN LAUGH)

Zak joined a couple of years ago.

He's super good.

All good fun. We train together. We have fun together.

Some of the best mates you've ever had.

Troy I've known the longest - about 16 years.

Yeah, I've been close mates with him ever since.

Obviously have very similar interests

and we just hit it off like that, so, yeah.

Oh, he did it!

I reckon something you wouldn't know about Ashlin -

he's actually quite cheeky.

Ah! Whoo-hoo!

Troy's nickname's Dirt, or Joe Dirt.

Had a bit of a mullet and looked a bit, you know, dirty and stuff,

so one of them called me Dirt and ever since then it's just stuck.

I built a course inside my house,

which has helped me train over the last couple of years.

I'm very excited to be here right now.

I'm hoping to make it to at least the grand final, if not all the way,

and beat Ashlin, hopefully.

(CHEERING)

And there they are - Zak and Ash on the sidelines for their mate, Dirt.

Look at the fan club he's got in the crowd tonight.

PEOPLE: Let's go, Troy, let's go!

They've all got dirty T-shirts on. He's wearing dirty shoes.

He's a hometown hero before it's even begun.

Look at the state of his socks.

He says he can't help it. He can't get a bar of soap.

Freddie, I don't care how dirty he is.

If he trains with Ash,

he is a chance of getting to the double Warped Walls.

(DING!) Floating Steps first, though.

Here he goes. Troy Cullen, aka Dirt.

Ashlin Herbert's mate. Been friends since kindergarten.

And apparently, Troy's heard him speak 60 words since then.

Swing Surfer now.

Let's just make sure he gets enough of a bounce off this trampoline

to get onto that board.

Dirt is not tall, only 167cm. Yep.

And flies through the air. And his fan club loves that.

It's a nice clean run so far.

MAN: Big jump! Go!

(CHEERING)

Tuning Forks time.

Now, they're all very nervous about this obstacle.

Dirt just...

You can see him working out his strategy here.

Come on!

Yeah, got to be light on the feet.

He's OK... No!

Oh, and it's over... Close.

..on the third obstacle.

Dirt. Dirt.

He'll be clean now.

Well done, Troy.

Dirt, good news is, you got a bath.

Yeah.

And obviously the first time on the course.

Was it everything you expected? Oh, it was awesome, mate.

Awesome experience. I loved it.

Shame I didn't get where I wanted to get to, but that was sick.

Yeah, well, you've got your mates running soon.

You've got Zak and Ashlin.

And secretly, do you want them to fall off as well?

Now I do, yeah. (LAUGHS)

Well, mate, it's a pleasure to see you.

All the best.

I'm sure you'll be shouting the boys on from the sideline.

Ladies and gentlemen, it's Dirt!

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

So, the course remains unconquered. No joy for that bloke Dirt.

Ashlin and his mate Zak will run later tonight.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

And there are some huge names just warming up.

Four-time world boxing champ, Susie Q.

Returning French firey, Aurelien Apport.

And perhaps the biggest contender of them all,

last year's furthest fastest, Rob Patterson.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Our next competitor hails from the 'City of Churches'.

One of seven children.

He's a kids' party host and a budding poet - Alex Cusack.

To reach our tainted palms to caress the sweet exterior dusty cover

and soft innocence of all that we should want to know...

I first started writing when I was 16.

Humans have discovered the most sacred of sacred texts,

the holiest of holy books

and the most well written essay in the live world...

My poetry is something that I really do like to share with other people.

These jumps, these weaves, these dives, they are amazing

and I wanted to be a part of it,

so that's what drew me to the Ninja Warrior course.

I think on paper I don't really have much of a chance

'cause I'm, like, not very large, I don't weigh much

and I spend a lot of my time writing poetry.

To get up the wall would be nuts. Absolutely nuts.

I've seen that image over and over and over again in my head

of smashing the buzzer and rejoicing and I want to be able to do that.

That means a lot.

I'm not sure how poetry can help him.

He's got the build - 175cm tall, 73 kilos.

And looks to me, Ben, like he's just a touch nervous

and that's completely understandable.

This is a daunting first obstacle. (DING!)

Here he goes. Alex Cusack.

And not a bad start, nice and balanced through the steps.

Not rushing.

A solid beginning for the 19-year-old.

And Alex is through the Floating Steps.

Just sizing up the Swing Surfer now. Not sure what to make of it.

It is a challenging obs... Whoa!

Nearly fell off the step at the back.

Now bounces on the trampoline. Oh!

That's an ugly landing.

He's doing it a bit tough.

Now, he'd better shake it off and move quickly

because that board is gonna lose momentum.

He needs to hurry here. Get off! (CHEERING)

You couldn't call it a pretty run so far by any measure

but he's having a red-hot go.

The Tuning Forks is gonna test him.

One, two... A bit off balance.

He's cleared that well. Incredible. What a great run.

This young man has got the crowd's attention.

They're right behind him. (CHEERING)

He's onto the Rolling Steel.

There's something going on with this kid.

Doesn't look like much of a ninja

but I think he's pretty lean and muscly under there.

Yeah. He hits that really quickly.

And he's done another one.

He's got no fear, Alex Cusack. Great stuff.

(CHEERING)

And here we are again, Spinball Wizard.

Six have tried tonight, six have failed.

Alex has done well, but can he beat this?

Here we go.

Yes! Oh, good lad. Come on.

Keep it straight. Oh, he's got a twist on.

Not looking great.

But I tell you what, this kid does not give up.

He'll be feeling the burn now. Oh, won't he what.

Those shoulders really starting to ache now.

He's pushing through the pain.

Oh, he's going everywhere now.

Using his feet, just trying to straighten himself up.

Unbelievable! He's still in there!

He grabs those balls with both hands. He lands it.

Alex Cusack, first to grab the balls.

The poet from Adelaide. He is a fighter.

Come on, Alex!

Can he do it again?

He's got himself straight now. I think he can do it.

Yes! Just one more to go!

Fantastic!

Alex Cusack is about to become the first ninja

to beat the Spinball Wizard.

(CHEERING) And he's done it!

Unbelievable! Well done, Alex Cusack.

This young man has done what no other ninja has done so far.

And finally tonight, we're getting a look at these glorious double walls.

None of our ninjas before tonight

knew that they would be given this option.

So, is he going to pick the Warped Wall from last season

or go the Mega Warped Wall?

It is a full metre taller and if you make it up, you win $5,000.

But there's a catch.

If you try to go for the cash and you fail,

you could miss out on a place in the semis.

It is risk versus reward.

What's he going to do?

It is a big decision to make.

Which way is he gonna go? He's 19.

He might as well go the five grand.

No, he'll go the Warped Wall. Oh, I don't know.

He's gonna go to the safe option. He wants the place in the semis.

Beat the wall! Beat the wall!

Here he goes.

And... Not even close... CROWD MEMBERS: Oh!

..on attempt number one.

Oh, his legs have gone. His legs just giving way.

The tiredness is all taking its toll.

Remember, though, he has two more attempts.

He's still in with a chance.

Beat the wall! Beat the wall! He's got a feel of the wall now.

His second attempt should be a lot better.

Beat the wall! Beat the wall!

Go. Eyes up. Yeah!

Up the Warped Wall! He's up that Warped Wall!

(SLAMS BUZZER) Alex Cusack!

Alex Cusack, that was simply sensational!

Australia, we've got our first ninja through on season three.

He is one to watch.

Hey, Alex, how did that feel? That was absolutely incredible.

One of the greatest times I've ever had in my life.

(CHEERING)

Alex had to work every step of the way on that run,

body slamming into the Swing Surfer

and all bent out of shape on the Spinball Wizard.

But like a true ninja,

Alex found a way through and up the Warped Wall.

A fantastic first completed run of season three

and the first real contender for Mount Midoriyama.

Amazing. What a great run.

Nobody knew much about you before we started.

Nobody knew what to expect.

But on the start line,

was you expecting to get to the top of the Warped Wall?

I had very high aspirations but definitely low expectations.

Yeah, no, it was a real surprise, actually.

And when you came to the Warped Wall,

was there any decision or thinking,

"I'm gonna go for the Mega Warped Wall, for the five grand"

or was it always just, "Get through, get to the semifinal"?

Honestly, I was so tempted to go to the Mega wall.

But that's, like, seven times me, so I wasn't gonna give it a crack.

And the other thing I've got to ask you, I know you do slam poetry.

Can you do it here? I mean, I can, yeah.

Can you give us some slam poetry?

I wrote one for the Ninja Warrior course.

Really? Right. I'm gonna give you the microphone.

(CHEERING) I'm gonna walk off.

On the course, there do they meet The young, the old here to compete

Some are tall and sturdily built Others lithe and light as silk

Some dash through like a glint of lightning

Others don Speedos and it's quite frightening...

(LAUGHTER)

But no matter who or what they be

It's the mount that's the foe of you and me

So, gather around for all the drama

And let's see who conquers Midoriyama.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE) Yes!

Ladies and gentlemen, how good was that!

I've got a new favourite - a man who is an athlete as well as a poet.

What more do you want?

A star we will make. And we'll be back after the break.

You're watching Australian Ninja Warrior.

Coming up...

She takes tough to a whole new level.

Four-times world boxing champ, Susie Q.

I am ready to knock this out.

And then...

He looks like Ashlin, he dresses like Ashlin, he hangs like Ashlin.

Dirt couldn't do it. Can Zak Stolz ninja like Ashlin?

The Ninja Warrior who powers their way furthest and fastest,

outlasting the others, will be declared the season's winner

and take home $100,000, thanks to Energizer.

(CHEERING)

Welcome back to Australian Ninja Warrior,

where 19-year-old poet Alex Cusack

just became the first ninja up the Warped Wall.

But that means the Mega Warped Wall remains unconquered.

Who will be the first one to do it and grab themselves $5,000?

(BELL DINGS)

WOMAN: I have so much determination. I am so competitive.

I've been boxing for over ten years now.

I've won four world titles

and two of them being the IBF and the WBC world title.

(EXCLAIMS)

I get a lot of people

who just love to see a female in a male-dominated sport.

And not only just a boxer

but someone who's created history in Australia.

So it's truly an amazing feeling.

I am ready to knock this out.

(CHEERING, RHYTHMIC CLAPPING)

This woman is an absolute weapon. We know she can fight.

She is probably as fit, if not fitter,

than any other ninja in this comp.

She's not tall, Bec - 160cm.

And what about the weight - just 54 kilos.

I don't want to put the kiss of death on her,

but we've never had a boxer doing well.

Can she break the curse of the boxers tonight?

Come on, Susie. (DING!)

Ding-ding. Round one.

She's onto the Floating Steps.

WOMAN: Come on, you can do it, Suze. They are 1.7m apart.

Oh! Susie Q!

What?

What?

What just happened?

By the looks of it here, she just misjudged the height.

Each step is higher than the last one.

And you can see, she completely misses the pad with her right foot.

Yeah, it goes to show, even the best fighter can cop a lucky punch.

Oh, I'm spewin'. (LAUGHS)

(CHEERING)

Up now, Danial Wyles-Wall is a 27-year-old didgeridoo maker

and Aboriginal cultural performer from Townsville.

He's here tonight after being inspired by the Deadly Ninja.

Here he is - Danial Wyles-Wall!

Dancing for me is my lifestyle, it's my culture, it's who I am.

I love to represent it, you know. I live and breathe it.

It brings out my soul and my spirit from within me.

The kangaroo dance is my favourite. That's who I am.

We're about to hike... Belmore Falls.

Jack Wilson definitely helped me get here today for Ninja Warrior.

Jack's always asked me to do it, so I'm gonna do it now.

I'm a little bit quiet but, you know,

until you see me out there on the course,

you get a taste of what I'm really about.

Speed, agile and strength. Like a kangaroo.

(LAUGHS)

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

On the start, Danial Wyles-Wall, a friend of Jack Wilson,

the Deadly Ninja.

Lived together for years.

But you've got to think, if he knocks around with Jack,

he's got a chance on this course tonight.

He certainly does, Freddie.

Great balance. Nice and comfortable.

His family up in Townsville.

Such a shame they couldn't be here with us tonight.

Just one more of the Floating Steps to go.

Only seen two contestants off tonight, these.

But the next one, the Swing Surfer, has seen many a ninja off.

It's been a great addition tonight to the Ninja Warrior course.

Real challenge for ninjas.

Danial launches himself and almost causes himself a major injury

in a delicate part of the body.

But he survives that and now moves onto the third obstacle.

He's got to put that pain out of his head now

as he takes on the Tuning Forks. Balance.

And he manages to do that really well.

This guy is looking very good at this point

as he comes up to the fourth obstacle, the Rolling Steel.

Here he is now, trying to use that upper-body strength,

getting them arms moving as he gets to the end of the Rolling Steel.

He's 12 seconds faster than Alex Cusack at this point.

Now, this is the obstacle that gets everybody nervous at home,

the audience here and including us in the commentary box.

2.8m up to the first set of handlebars

and then 1.9m to the second.

Yes! On the second of the Spinball Wizards.

Just one more to go. Come on, son.

He makes that jump. Yes, Danial!

One more. Get them legs pumping. Get them legs swinging.

Yes!

Second through the Spinball Wizard,

as he turns the corner and says, "Hello. What have we got here?"

There's two walls.

One's a Warped Wall and one we've named the Mega Warped Wall.

And the Mega Warped Wall has five grand on top of it.

It's a big risk, no doubt about it. What is he gonna do?

He's gonna play it safe here and go up the Warped Wall.

Danial takes his shot for the first time and hits it!

(CHEERING) Straight up the Warped Wall!

And our second ninja through tonight!

Hits the buzzer. Celebrates with a dance.

That tasted sweet.

And we're loving Danial Wyles-Wall.

Wow. Wow alright!

Mate, who taught you those tricks?

That reminds me a little bit of a bloke called Jack Wilson.

Well, I did live with him when he did the first season

and it's kind of where I started my journey

and I thank him a lot for where I've come.

Well done, Danial. Second up the wall tonight.

I know you're keen to know where everyone is on the leader board.

Let's check it out right now.

Remember, only the top 18 get through to the semifinals.

Danial climbs into first place,

ahead of poet Alex Cusack,

Dave Garvin third.

League star Eloni Vunakece

is in fifth.

Over the page,

Celeste Dixon in seventh.

And worrying signs for Troy Cullen, aka Dirt,

in real danger of missing the semis,

with some great contenders still to come.

(CHEERING)

I'm in the warm-up gym and just behind me is Rob Patterson.

Rob, how are you, mate?

Rob, this year for the furthest fastest is 100 grand.

Can you repeat it again? I really hope so.

I've been training my arse off for it,

so fingers crossed I can do a double.

Well, looking at the heat tonight, there's some fast lads in there.

Anyone you've got your eye on?

Oh, Ashlin for sure is gonna be fast. Zak as well.

They've got some quick ninjas in there,

so I've got my odds against me.

Are you feeling the pressure?

Yeah, definitely feeling the pressure.

Coming up... We've seen Dirt.

Now it's time for the second of 'Flashlin Ashlin's three musketeers,

Zak Stolz.

I think I might be the one to catch Ashlin.

There's only one way to find out. We'll just have to see tonight.

And Sheena Steinert. You've seen me on one and two.

Well, I'm back and I'm feeling good.

And this year, she's got more than just her skills to get her through.

Season three, I've got my identical twin sister, Pirrenee,

along beside me to support me all the way this year.

Whoo! No, that was terrible.

That was so awkward. We'll do it again.

Can we do that again?

We'll be back with more Ninja Warrior right after this.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Welcome back to Australian Ninja Warrior,

where over the break, French firey Aurelien Apport

became the third ninja to reach the top of the Warped Wall.

Aurelien Apport. Yes!

(PRESSES BUZZER) And Aurelien Apport!

How good was that!

Aurelien Apport, you are back!

Great to see you. You're back too.

(LAUGHS)

But still no ninja brave enough to take on the Mega Warped Wall.

Will anyone defeat it tonight?

Perhaps our next ninja is the man to do it.

He trains with Ashlin Herbert

but is competing tonight with someone else in mind.

It is Zak Stolz.

So, I'm running the course for a lot of people

but the major influence would be Dad, who recently passed away.

It's only three months ago, if that.

It's hard to still come to terms with.

It still hasn't sort of registered.

I think if he was up there, he'd be looking down going,

"You've got to do this obstacle exactly like this,"

even though he had no idea what he was doing.

Dad honestly had no clue what he was talking about with the Ninja.

He thought he knew, as he always did...

He was the best know-it-all you've ever met, I guess.

Funny dude. Awesome. Like, I couldn't rate him any higher.

I don't really know if it's anyone's thing to claim

but if there was a purpose for me running, it would be for him.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

So far, we've seen Dirt, the third amigo, fall on the Tuning Forks,

but this lad we've got high expectations of.

He reckons he's just as fast, if not quicker, than Ashlin himself.

And not just Ash and Troy on the sidelines.

That's Mum and Grandma in there too, with their 'Zak Attack' T-shirts on.

Zak Attack! That will mean a lot to him.

(DING!) Come on, Zak Stolz.

Look how quick he is straight away through the Floating Steps.

You need to remember, there is a sizeable gap between all those steps.

Whoo-hoo!

And there's a big gap here of 3m between the trampoline and the board.

No problem whatsoever.

Did you see him there swinging the board back just to make sure

that it increased the momentum so he had an easier exit?

And now you need light footwork and accurate feet.

Yes, yes, yes.

Stop it! Stop it!

Look how quick he is!

Is he gonna give Ashlin Herbert a run for his money tonight?

Oh, I think we're looking at someone special here, Ben.

Yeah, he's got Flashlin's speed alright.

Six seconds faster than anyone else to this point.

Spinball Wizard. Makes the first leap.

He looks very confident.

Needs to make the transition now before that...

Oh, look at this. ..thing starts to twist.

The slower you move on this swing... Argh.

He's, like, "Bugger it." ..the more they stay straight.

But if you try and do it too fast...

Now, this is confidence. He's moved into a dead hang...

Yeah. ..so he can start again.

Now, when you're nice and steady like that, it goes straight...

Oh, doing it again. Oh, he hangs on!

That was remarkable. Everybody else who's tried to do that...

He's backwards.

..and land crookedly, it hasn't worked for.

He's making hard work of the Spinball Wizard

but at the same time, he's doing it so well.

Oh, he's done well. (CHEERING)

You reckon one more swing and it's the Warped Wall.

And I'm gonna make a prediction here -

he's gonna go at the Mega Warped Wall.

Yeah... Oh, my goodness me! Oh!

(CHEERING)

He almost face-planted on the red carpet.

Oh, he overshot the runway.

I think he wants the cash! (CHEERING)

He's picked the Mega Warped Wall!

Whoo-hoo!

Beat the wall!

This is the first time anyone's taken a crack at the Mega Warped Wall.

Can Zak do it?

He is going straight up the Mega Warped Wall.

Push... Oh, he touched it.

He touched the lip. Oh, well...

There's $5,000 sitting there at the top.

Keep going, Zak! Trust yourself!

Oh, it is too late for Zak to change his mind.

Once you've picked your wall, that's it.

He's 19 years of age and he's going straight up the Mega...

Oh! Again...

He got more than a fingertip on it that time, Bec!

Oh, goodness me.

He got a whole half a hand over the top of it.

He did!

Third and final attempt at the Mega Warped Wall.

Is Zak Stolz gonna be the first kid up there tonight?

Beat that wall! Beat that wall!

OK. He's going for it. He takes...

Halfway up the wall, makes the leap...

No! Oh, no!

Well done, mate! Whoo-hoo!

Great job! He's done it!

Missed out on the five grand

and missed slamming down his hand on the buzzer.

But I think, regardless of that, we're seeing something special.

And there it is, the first ever attempt at the 5.2m Mega Warped Wall.

Zak was so close the first time.

He actually touched the top with his second attempt

and he ran out of power on the third.

But some good news - any time any ninja attempts the Mega Warped Wall,

KFC will donate $1,000 to the KFC Youth Foundation charity partners.

Well done, Zak.

Zak, well done, mate.

Any point, did you think about going up the normal Warped Wall

or was it always going to be the Mega one?

It was always gonna be the Mega wall.

You're here for the experience. Why not get the full of it?

And your mate, Ashlin Herbert, do you think he'll make it up there?

I have no doubt that he will make it up there.

Ashlin, you going Mega Warped Wall?

ASHLIN: I'll give it a shot.

OK, well, he's gonna give it a shot.

Thanks, Freddie. That is gonna be a great run.

BEN: But first up, she's been sworn into the heats twice before.

Now she's sporting a whole new look this year

and she's determined to boss her way into the semifinals.

Give her a roar. Sheena Steinert.

(ROARS)

First time, season one Ninja Warrior...

we all know that I was shocked to find myself in the water.

(SQUEALS)

Sheena, the fitness warrior. What went on?

(SCREAMS) (BLEEP) Sorry.

I put that in my back pocket, moved on, trained harder.

Got through to season two. Gave it another good crack.

Unfortunately, similar result.

Oh, no! Sheena! Sheena, no!

She's not gonna be happy with that.

To get a third go, it means a lot. So I'm here for a result.

If I can make a semi for myself, that's damn good.

If I can make it to a final, even better.

Yes, Sheena is back, fitter, stronger and more determined than ever.

We're going to take a quick break

while she makes her way to the course.

Don't go anywhere. Sheena coming up next.

(BLOWS WHISTLE)

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE) SHEENA: Will you help me?

You're gonna repeat the word 'warrior' after me.

I'm gonna start it...

Welcome back to Ninja Warrior,

where Sheena Steinert is warming up the crowd.

Warrior! Warrior! Warrior!

Any moment now, we'll be getting underway.

Warrior! Warrior! Warrior!

She's never made it past obstacle two, but after 12 months training,

in fairness, she's looking stronger than we've ever seen her.

Sheena's identical twin is on the sideline.

Oh, yes, Sheena!

(DING!) MAN: Come on, Sheens!

Will it be third time lucky to make it in the semis?

This is Sheena Steinert on the Floating Steps.

After all the histrionics on the start,

with the megaphone, whatever else and the chat,

actually looking quite focused now.

She completes obstacle number one.

And this next obstacle should be haunting her

because in the last two years,

Sheena Steinert has bombed out on obstacle number two.

MAN: Nice and fast, Sheens!

This obstacle, obstacle number two,

is probably the hardest we've ever had.

Trying to get the crowd going. Go, Sheena!

Thankfully not with that megaphone again.

Sheena Steinert - will she go down again on obstacle number two

as she has done in the last two years?

Oh, no! She's done it three years in a row.

It's a hat-trick for Sheena Steinert, bombing out on obstacle two.

Good job, Sheena! Oh, no.

Now, it might just pay to turn the volume down...

(BLEEP) ..of your TV sets ever so slightly.

Apologies for that.

Third time so unlucky for Sheena here.

She threw her arms up instead of going forward,

which meant she couldn't get the distance to land it.

She missed her left leg altogether and she sunk.

Sheena, it's a new look but same result - obstacle two again.

What is it about it?

I got my arse here on the line tonight and I gave it my best

and I just didn't get it tonight, Freddie.

No, you didn't, did you?

I make a lot of noise, but it comes from a right place.

I do. You know, Bec said last year, I loved when she said...

I was just, "Like, you get me, girl. You get me."

She said, you know, she gets the audience razzed up

because I draw from their energy...

And I really do.

Anyway, Sheena, great to see you, as always. Unlucky tonight.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Ladies and gentlemen, Sheena!

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

This is a big moment,

because up now is last year's furthest and fastest champion.

That is 23-year-old Rob Patterson from Queensland.

Our Robot Ninja has tasted victory but this year he wants the glory

and title of Australia's first Ninja Warrior

getting to the top of Mount Midoriyama.

It is Rob Patterson.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

He'll have a lot of support on the sideline tonight.

Girlfriend Tamara will be cheering him on.

You've got this, Rob!

I feel a bit tense.

That's the thing - you do well one year, furthest fastest,

feel the pressure the year after.

Everyone looking at him, everyone expecting.

The big question is, can he deliver?

(DING!) My money is on yes.

He is so ready for this.

He's quickly out of the blocks, finishing the first obstacle.

Easy!

On the first night of season three of Australian Ninja Warrior,

we have last year's champion on the course right now

showing us how it's done.

This is the Swing Surfer.

And he gets off that surfboard nice and smooth.

Misstep on any of these obstacles and it's game over, Ben.

You've got to hit this thing just perfectly. And he does!

And he's home.

That's it!

And just checking the clock,

he's exactly the same time at this point as Zak Stolz.

Now on the steel roller. Look at this. Flying through!

Just two obstacles to go to book a place in the semifinal.

Hardly breaking into a sweat.

I don't think he's even puffing, is he?

But you need to be careful here.

This Spinball Wizard has played tricks on many of our ninjas tonight.

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

OK.

Oh, and he's refined and finetuned his training for season three,

being more specific than ever before.

Oh, effortless! Look at that great kick forward!

Here we go. Now leaving... and faced with the Warped Walls.

Remember, no-one knew there would be two walls,

so no-one's trained for it.

Beat the wall! Beat the wall! Beat the wall! Beat the wall!

Do you take the Warped Wall

or do you go for the five grand on the Mega Warped Wall?

Ben, when your name is Rob Patterson,

you are here to show us how it's done.

Beat the wall! Beat the wall! We've been waiting for this.

Go, Rob! You can do it!

Here he goes.

Oh, no.

He is not going the Mega Warped Wall!

Rob Patterson at the Warped Wall. (HITS BUZZER)

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE) He's fast.

TAMARA: Go, Rob!

He went up the normal wall. Test yourself, Rob. Test yourself.

Rob, there's $5,000 sitting at the top of that Mega Warped Wall.

You decided not to touch it.

Yeah, look, I've got to be back here,

so that means if I fall off that thing and I injure myself,

then there's no chance at the semis.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

This was exactly the sort of run we've come to expect from Rob.

Fast, composed and mistake-free.

But faced with the Mega Warped Wall, for once, he didn't back himself,

opting for the safer route,

finishing the course in the fastest time of the night so far.

Rob, I was gonna say that you had a quick run

and then you went up the standard Warped Wall.

One eye on timing.

You're throwing the gauntlet down to the likes of Ashlin.

Yeah, yeah. Ashlin, come at me.

Let's have a little bit of a race, eh? I'll see you in the semis.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Well, you don't hear that every day.

Rob Patterson throwing down the gauntlet...

(LAUGHS) ..to Ashlin Herbert.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

So, here's how things are looking with just one runner to come.

Rob Patterson is the furthest fastest,

Zak coming in at fifth.

But down at the business end,

close to the cut-off,

Celeste Dixon and farmer Bradley Vanderland are both safe,

with Dirt sitting at 18 and his mate Ashlin is up next.

The question is, will Flashlin be the first to conquer

the Mega Warped Wall?

Welcome back to the all-new Australian Ninja Warrior

and this is a moment we've been waiting for.

Yes, it is.

Get excited, Australia,

because the ninja known as Flashlin is about to hit the course.

This 24-year-old from the Mornington Peninsula

is a superstar ninja from seasons past

who destroys obstacles in lightning speed

and he's spent the off-season

competing in Ninja Warrior USA versus the World.

He is unbelievable.

Get ready. Welcome back Ashlin Herbert.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

COMMENTATOR: Now it's Team Australia's turn

and they have one of their strongest competitors here,

Ashlin 'Flashlin' Herbert.

In the last year, I went to America

and did the USA versus the World over there.

We came second out of America and Europe, which is pretty good.

Flashlin is on the course.

COMMENTATOR: Get it... Whoa!

I did the first course for my team and then the last.

It was just a heap of fun.

This is my third season of Ninja Warrior.

You wanted a winner. This year, you're gonna get one.

He's talking a big game. Fighting words.

Well, Ben, he reached the grand final for season one and two.

Will he be the winner of season three?

Now, there's Dirt.

Gotta be mixed emotions for him right now.

If Ashlin goes well, he's gonna miss out on the semis.

Here he is, Ashlin Herbert. Do not move at home.

Do not blink.

Don't get a cup of tea, because this will be over very, very quickly.

Time to beat, Rob Patterson's one minute 36.

My word, he has his eye on the prize, and that is Mount Midoriyama.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

On the Swing Surfer.

Straight onto it and off to the other side.

We're gonna have to run now.

We're gonna have to keep up with him because he's not stopping.

Light footwork is required here on the Tuning Forks.

Look at that!

Oh, it's game face on now. Rolling Steel. Look at the clock.

Nine seconds faster than Rob Patterson.

He is flying!

The cameras have trouble keeping up with this bloke.

And it's happening all over again.

The Spinball Wizard.

He gets onto the first set of handlebars.

He is so strong.

Look at the reach and the grab he has and the finger strength.

Ashlin Herbert on the Spinball Wizard.

The gauntlet was firmly laid down by Rob Patterson saying,

"Ashlin, what have you got?"

Well, Rob, this is what he's got.

He's gonna get off the Spinball Wizard any second now.

He's not gonna go up the standard Warped Wall, Rob.

He's gonna go up the Mega and get five grand.

Look at him. Oh, I hope so, Freddie.

I have got my fingers crossed.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

We would be disappointed... Yes, Ashlin!

..if Ashlin Herbert did not go the Mega Warped Wall.

Beat the wall! Beat the wall!

For $5,000, will he do it, Bec?

Come on, Ashlin, as Australia looks on!

Yes! He does!

Ashlin Herbert! Ladies and gentlemen...

Yes!

..Ashlin Herbert is back for season three!

You could've put your house, your mortgage,

your kids on it - that was gonna happen.

Well!

Have we just seen Australia's first ever Australian Ninja Warrior?

That was simply awesome.

You add an extra metre onto the Warped Wall

and throw in five grand incentive

and Ashlin Herbert says, "Bring it on, baby. Bring it on."

Make it rain with dollar bills.

Have you tried anything this high before?

No, not that high. Till now.

What are you gonna do with the five grand?

Your shout!

You've got Zak down there saying it's your shout.

You better go and join them, mate.

Ashlin Herbert, everyone.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

We were hoping for something brilliant tonight

and Flashlin did not disappoint.

After a textbook run over the Tuning Forks,

he perfectly conquered the Spinball Wizard,

an obstacle which proved too tough for so many ninjas.

And then he did what no-one else could do.

He smashed the Mega Warped Wall.

Straight to the top with five grand cash in his pocket.

(BUZZER BLARES) (FIREWORKS POP)

Well, what an incredible finish

to our first Australian Ninja Warrior heat for 2019.

And if tonight is anything to go by, Ben,

the competition this season is going to be red-hot.

Yeah, let's have a look at our final leader board of the night.

Starting at the cut-off.

It's bad news for Dirt,

who's just missed a place in the semis.

Dairy farmer Bradley Vanderland

snuck into 18th behind Celeste Dixon.

League star Eloni Vunakece

qualifies in 11th.

Ashlin's mate Zak finished the night

in sixth, poet Alex Cusack fourth,

Danial Wyles-Wall third,

Rob Patterson second.

Furthest fastest of the night,

who else but Ashlin Herbert?

He was 17 seconds faster

than anyone else

and first up the Mega Warped Wall.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

These are the 18 bound for the semifinals,

with special mentions going to 19-year-old Alex Cusack,

who's come from nowhere

and become an instant favourite with the audience.

But tonight was all about the showdown

between Rob Patterson and Ashlin Herbert.

Rob, I'm sorry to say, tonight the glory goes to Ashlin.

He scaled the Mega Warped Wall and bagged five grand in the process,

becoming tonight's furthest fastest.

That's all from us down here. Back to you, Ben and Bec.

Yeah, congratulations to Ashlin and all of our ninjas

for giving it a big crack tonight.

It's been a huge hit here

and you get the feeling we're just getting started, Bec.

Absolutely.

Join us tomorrow when the action continues

on this all-new season of Australian Ninja Warrior.

Goodnight. Goodnight.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Tomorrow night on Australian Ninja Warrior,

our competitors face a brutal new obstacle.

Behind me is the Butterfly Wall.

I tell you what, I can't wait.

And will any ninjas follow Ashlin and conquer the Mega Warped Wall?

This year, I'm focused and I'm coming for that Mega wall.

Up for the challenge, new competitors

prepare to push themselves beyond their limits,

among them an abseiling window cleaner...

I think Mount Midoriyama will be simple for me.

I've just got to get there.

..a rock-climbing radiology student...

I don't know how I'm gonna do.

I don't know what's gonna happen, but I'm gonna give this everything.

..and a professional food eater?

People hear I'm a professional eater,

they kind of think I'm a couch potato.

I can't wait to show everybody what I can do.

And returning fan favourites

determined this year to go all the way.

I know I can get that red button. (LAUGHS)

With a guaranteed $100,000

and a potential shot at Mount Midoriyama in their sights,

this year the stakes are higher than ever before.