DAKOTA North insisted a return to Swindon had always been his first choice following his departure from Poole.

North, who helped Pirates claim a third successive Elite League crown this year, enjoyed a successful spell with the Robins in 2014.

The talented 24-year-old completes an all-Australian top five at the Abbey Stadium, joining Jason Doyle, Nick Morris, Josh Grajczonek and Justin Sedgman. Stefan Nielsen and Charles Wright complete their septet.

North told the Swindon Advertiser: “In the past few weeks, I had been talking to clubs. I thought I might be back at Poole but you never know with that club.

“After winning the title, I thought I would be there again but a month or so after the season had ended, Matt Ford called me and said he already had his team and, unfortunately, they couldn’t fit me in.

“When that happened, I didn’t really expect to be back at Swindon but if I wasn’t going to race at Poole, this was where I wanted to be.

“I was hoping to come back to Swindon but I was actually speaking to a few other clubs so, when I got the call from Rosco, I was really pleased to be able to sign for them again.

“I had enjoyed my season when I was there before and had fun when I went back as a guest a few times last year so when the call came in I thought why not.”