McNeill was on a high after claiming victory at the recent Pro FMX Freestyle Open at Rockhampton and was ready to take on Australia’s best at the Western Australia showdown.

Freestyle MX stars Rhys Hillier and Rob Adelberg were joined by Steve Mini who was making a return to competition following seven months on the sideline recovering from shoulder surgery.

McNeill qualified third for the head to head finals after solid runs in the qualifying heats, but an outstanding run by Hillier initially eliminated McNeill from the event.

Fortunately a judge’s wild card to the next round came his reinstating the Shoalhaven youngster into the competition and he did not waste the opportunity.

In his second head to head McNeill pulled off his signature mini flip followed by his first ever 360 to dirt jump. An amazing feat considering he had only previously practiced the trick for three sessions into a foam pit.

McNeill came within a whisker of winning his second major title in a month, missing out on the top spot to FMX hot shot Rob Adelberg by just 0.3 points.

“It was worth the effort travelling all the way from the Shoalhaven to Narrogin in Western Australia just to land the 360 to dirt,” McNeill said.

“Once again I thank my great sponsors because without them none of this would be possible so a big thanks to BKH Group, Jetpilot, Shift, Oakley, Novik Gloves, Shoalhaven Excavations and 13 Crowns Custom Tattoos and of course my manager Luke Thwaites who keeps me organised.”

McNeill said his next adventure includes being involved with a freestyle movie project.

“The competition season has finished for the year so I will keep training and I’m looking forward to doing some stuff for the next Crusty Demons movie.”