Swindon Town have kept Australian defender Kaelan Majekodunmi training with the squad this week as manager and coaches continue to assess a host of trialists during pre-season. The 22-year-old, who has represented Australia at Under-20 and Under-23 levels, featured in Swindon’s recent friendly against Crystal Palace and is believed to be a realistic candidate to secure a place in the club's plans.
Background to the trial
Throughout the early stages of summer, Swindon have hosted a rotating group of trial players to bolster numbers in friendlies and to give the management staff opportunities to see a wider pool of talent. Club sources say 12 different trialists have been involved at different times over the pre-season, though most have since left.
“[It is decision time for] all of the trialists, there will be decisions on all of them, and then there will be decisions on who I have got in my squad.”
The comment above, made by former manager Ian Holloway following the Crystal Palace fixture, underlined the expectation that assessments would be concluded and choices made on who remains with the squad.
Player profile and recent progress
Majekodunmi, a six-foot-two centre-back who came through the Perth Glory academy, brings a physical presence to the back line. His record includes five caps each for Australia Under-20s and Under-23s, 15 A-League appearances and six Australian Cup outings since breaking into senior football in 2023. He also spent time on loan with Dandenong Thunder last season.
- Age: 22
- Position: Centre-back
- International experience: Australia U20 & U23 (five caps each)
- Senior appearances: 15 A-League, six Australian Cup
Against Palace he was noted for his tight marking and physical approach, at times committing fouls as he worked to restrict the movement of established Premier League players. Prior to that, he and fellow Australian Alexandros Bardas were present for the Chippenham Town game though neither featured in that friendly.
Why he remains under consideration
Club staff believe Majekodunmi presents a realistic chance of filling an Elite Significant Contribution slot, and his birth in Northampton may simplify any potential registration matters should the club decide to offer terms. Swindon’s coaching team are balancing the immediate needs for pre-season game time with the longer-term construction of a squad ahead of league and cup commitments.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | 6ft 2in |
| Previous clubs | Perth Glory; loan to Dandenong Thunder |
| International | Australia U20 & U23 (5 caps each) |
With competitive matches approaching — including the Carabao Cup tie later in the summer — the management’s decisions on trialists will become clearer in the coming days. For supporters, the situation offers a reminder that pre-season is both a testing ground for the club and an audition for hopeful players seeking a permanent role.
