Lachlan Bayliss

Lachlan Bayliss
Bayliss in June 2026.
Personal information
Full name Lachlan Ryan Bayliss[1]
Date of birth (2002-07-24) 24 July 2002[1]
Place of birth Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
Height 1.78 m (5 ft 10 in)[1]
Position Central midfielder
Team information
Current team
 Auckland FC
Number 10
Youth career
Mindil Aces
Newcastle Jets
2018–2023 Central Coast Mariners
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2022–2023 CCM Academy 46 (23)
2023–2026 Newcastle Jets 62 (6)
2026– Auckland FC 0 (0)
International career‡
2024 New Zealand U23 3 (0)
2026– New Zealand 2 (0)
* Club domestic league appearances and goals as of 28 April 2026
‡ National team caps and goals as of 27 March 2026

Lachlan Ryan Bayliss (born 24 July 2002) is a professional footballer who plays as a central midfielder for A-League Men side Auckland FC. Born in Australia, he represents the New Zealand national team.

Club career

Bayliss' formative years as a footballer were spent in Darwin, Northern Territory, spending 4 years playing at youth level for Mindil Aces, before joining the youth set up at Central Coast Mariners as a 16 year old in 2018.[2]

Central Coast Mariners

Having come through the age groups for the Central Coast Mariners Academy, Bayliss was promoted into the NPL First Grade team for the Mariners for the 2022 season, with the Mariners competing in the newly renamed NSW League One competition, the second tier in the National Premier Leagues NSW system.[3] Bayliss made an immediate impact for the team, ending the season as the equal top scorer in the competition with 13 goals in 22 appearances.[4] The season saw the team win the Premiership for finishing top of the table and achieve promotion to the top flight,[5] however losing the Grand Final 2–1 after extra time to St George City.[6]

In January 2023, Bayliss was signed on a scholarship contract with the Mariners, joining his older brother James in training with the Mariners first team squad for the 2022–23 season.[7] Bayliss continued his fine form into the 2023 NPL season, with the team now competing in the top flight following the previous season's promotion. Bayliss was a key member of the team, scoring 9 goals in 21 appearances. Bayliss had a standout performance against North West Sydney Spirit at Pluim Park, being involved in all 4 goals for the side in a 4–2 victory, initially with two assists and then scoring two goals in two minutes late in the match to secure the victory from a position of 2–2.[8] However, that match would be his penultimate appearance for the club, appearing one final time against Sydney FC Youth. Bayliss scored again in his farewell match, and was clapped off by teammates and supporters at the end of the match.[9]

His departure from the club was confirmed the following day.[10]

Newcastle Jets

Following his surprise release from the Mariners, it was announced the following day that Bayliss had signed for F3 Derby rivals, Newcastle Jets.[11]

On 17 July 2023, Bayliss made his professional debut in an Australia Cup play-off match against Melbourne Victory at Larrakia Park in Darwin, coming off the bench as Newcastle won on penalties to qualify for the 2023 Australia Cup round of 32.[12] Bayliss also made his A-League debut in Newcastle's opening match of the season, a 2–2 away draw against Perth Glory. Newcastle Jets would announce on 24 June 2024, Bayliss had signed a contract extension for 2 more years.[13] Bayliss scored his first professional goal in round eight of the 2024–25 A-League in a 4–0 win over Perth Glory.[14][15] Bayliss featured in all 26 league matches, starting 19 of them.

Bayliss contributed to Newcastle Jets’ second major trophy, making four appearances during their victorious 2025 Australia Cup campaign.[16] On 23 January 2026, Bayliss scored after just 21 seconds in a 4–1 win over Wellington Phoenix, becoming the scorer of the second-fastest goal in A-League Men history behind Louis Brain.[17][18] He later assisted Eli Adams during the match.[19][20][21]

Bayliss and the Jets would go on to win their second title of the season, winning the A-League Men Premier's Plate on 19 April 2026 following Auckland FC's 1–0 loss to the Central Coast Mariners.[22][23] Bayliss scored 5 goals and registered 3 assists during the regular season in 27 appearances.[24] On 28 May 2026, the club confirmed that Bayliss would depart the club at the expiration of his contract at the end of the 2025–26 season.[25]

Auckland FC

On 24 June 2026, Bayliss joined fellow A-League Men side Auckland FC on a free transfer.[26][27] On 26 August, Bayliss made his debut for the club in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup, starting in their 1–0 loss to Al-Ahli FC at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium.[28][29][30]

International career

Bayliss making his debut for the All Whites in March 2026.

Bayliss was eligible to represent both Australia and New Zealand, through his father being born in New Zealand.[31][32]

In August 2023, Bayliss was called up to New Zealand U23 squad for OFC Olympic qualification matches against Papua New Guinea and Fiji.[33] In July 2024, he was named as an alternate player for the New Zealand Olympic football team.[34] On 23 July 2024, Bayliss was announced as being included in the squad proper after Riley Bidois withdrew due to injury[35] and he subsequently appeared in all three of New Zealand’s matches.

On 16 March 2026, Bayliss earned his maiden call-up to the All Whites for the FIFA Series, where the team were scheduled to face Finland and Chile.[36][37] Bayliss made his debut in a 0–2 loss to Finland.[38]

Personal life

Bayliss' brother James also played for the Central Coast Mariners, making 13 A-League appearances and also played for Auckland FC in during the 2026 OFC Professional League. The brothers featured together in the Mariners NPL first grade sides in 2022 and 2023.

They are not related to three-time Superbike World Champion Troy Bayliss.

Career statistics

As of 26 August 2026[24]
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League Cup[a] Continental Other Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Central Coast Mariners Academy 2022 Football NSW League One 25 14 — — — 25 14
2023 NPL NSW 21 9 — — — 21 9
Total 46 23 0 0 0 0 0 0 46 23
Newcastle Jets 2023–24 A-League Men 11 0 2 0 — 0 0 13 0
2024–25 26 1 1 0 — 0 0 27 1
2025–26 25 5 4 0 — 2[b] 0 31 5
Total 62 6 7 0 0 0 0 0 71 6
Auckland FC 2026–27 A-League Men 0 0 — 1[c] 0 0 0 1 0
Career total 110 29 7 0 1 0 0 0 118 29

Honours

Club

Newcastle Jets

Notes

  1. ↑ Appearances in Australia Cup
  2. ↑ Appearances in A-League Finals
  3. ↑ Appearance in FIFA Intercontinental Cup

References

  1. 1 2 3 "Men's Olympic Football Tournament Paris 2024: Squad list" (PDF). FIFA. 24 July 2024. p. 11. Archived (PDF) from the original on 11 July 2024. Retrieved 25 July 2024.
  2. ↑ "Ex-Darwin soccer junior turned A-League pro to play in Aus Cup". NT News. 14 July 2023. Archived from the original on 16 July 2023. Retrieved 28 November 2023.
  3. ↑ "Lachie Bayliss enjoying his Mariners experience". footballnsw.com.au. 11 May 2022. Archived from the original on 28 November 2023. Retrieved 28 November 2023.
  4. ↑ Greg Stock. "New South Wales League One Golden Boot Winners". ozfootball.net. Archived from the original on 31 January 2024. Retrieved 31 January 2024.
  5. ↑ "Academy Men's First Grade and U20s claim League One premiership and Club Championship". Central Coast Mariners FC. 8 August 2022. Archived from the original on 28 November 2023. Retrieved 28 November 2023.
  6. ↑ "St George City crowned 2022 League One champions". footballnsw.com.au. 3 September 2022. Archived from the original on 20 March 2023. Retrieved 28 November 2023.
  7. ↑ "Kuzevski's scholarship extended, Bayliss and Hong secure new scholarships". Central Coast Mariners FC. 18 January 2023. Archived from the original on 19 May 2023. Retrieved 28 November 2023.
  8. ↑ "Bayliss dominated for Mariners in 4–2 win over Spirit". mens.nplnsw.com.au. 18 June 2023. Archived from the original on 28 November 2023. Retrieved 28 November 2023.
  9. ↑ "Mariners win their fifth in a row at home with victory over Sydney FC". mens.nplnsw.com.au. 25 June 2023. Archived from the original on 3 December 2023. Retrieved 28 November 2023.
  10. ↑ "Lachlan Bayliss departs Central Coast Mariners". Central Coast Mariners FC. 26 June 2023. Archived from the original on 1 December 2023. Retrieved 28 November 2023.
  11. ↑ "Newcastle Jets sign Lachlan Bayliss and Daniel Stynes". Newcastle Jets FC. 27 July 2023. Archived from the original on 28 November 2023. Retrieved 28 November 2023.
  12. ↑ "Newcastle Jets 2–2 Melbourne Victory (Penalties: 4–2) (Cup)". aleaguestats.com. 17 July 2023.
  13. ↑ toml (24 June 2024). "Lachlan Bayliss Re-Signs". Newcastle Jets. Archived from the original on 24 June 2024. Retrieved 24 June 2024.
  14. ↑ "Lachlan Bayliss | Isuzu UTE Goal of the Week Winner | Round 8". Newcastle Jets. Archived from the original on 19 April 2026. Retrieved 27 March 2026.
  15. ↑ toml (14 December 2024). "Dominant Jets put four past Perth Glory". Newcastle Jets. Archived from the original on 13 March 2026. Retrieved 27 March 2026.
  16. ↑ "Newcastle Jets win Hahn Australia Cup 2025 with 3-1 victory over Heidelberg United | Australia Cup". australiacup.com.au. 4 October 2025. Archived from the original on 30 April 2026. Retrieved 27 March 2026.
  17. ↑ "Fastest goal scored in an A-League football (soccer) match". www.guinnessworldrecords.com. Retrieved 29 July 2026.
  18. ↑ "Player Statistics (Goals): Fastest Goal". Ultimate A-League. Retrieved 29 July 2026.
  19. ↑ Edsall, Rudi (23 January 2026). "Lachie Bayliss stunner sets the scene as Newcastle crush Wellington". A-Leagues. Retrieved 29 July 2026.
  20. ↑ Rollo, Phillip (23 January 2026). "Wellington Phoenix concede 21 seconds into 4-1 defeat against Newcastle Jets". Stuff. Retrieved 29 July 2026.
  21. ↑ "HIGHLIGHTS: Phoenix humbled 4-1 by on-fire Jets in men's A-League". Friends of Football. 23 January 2026. Retrieved 29 July 2026.
  22. ↑ Dodd, James (19 April 2026). "Newcastle Jets win second trophy of the season with Premiership triumph". A-Leagues. Archived from the original on 26 April 2026. Retrieved 20 April 2026.
  23. ↑ "CCM upset Auckland to hand Newcastle Jets A-League premiership". ESPN Australia. 19 April 2026. Archived from the original on 19 April 2026. Retrieved 20 April 2026.
  24. 1 2 "Lachlan Bayliss (Midfielder, Newcastle Jets) :". Ultimate A-League. Archived from the original on 7 March 2026. Retrieved 28 April 2026.
  25. ↑ "Newcastle Jets Confirm A-League Men's Departures". Newcastle Jets. 28 May 2026. Archived from the original on 28 May 2026. Retrieved 28 May 2026.
  26. ↑ rcuthbertson (23 June 2026). "Auckland FC Bolster Midfield with the Signing of Bayliss". Auckland. Retrieved 23 June 2026.
  27. ↑ Francis, Ben. "Auckland FC confirm signing of All Whites midfielder". NZ Herald. Archived from the original on 8 July 2026. Retrieved 23 June 2026.
  28. ↑ Sherry, Samuel. "Auckland FC crash out of Intercontinental Cup after frustrating night in Jeddah". NZ Herald. Retrieved 26 August 2026.
  29. ↑ "Auckland FC fall 1-0 to Al-Ahli in Pedro Moreira's first competitive match in charge". RNZ. 27 August 2026. Retrieved 26 August 2026.
  30. ↑ "Auckland FC bow out of FIFA Intercontinental Cup after 1-0 loss to Saudi side". Friends of Football. 26 August 2026. Retrieved 26 August 2026.
  31. ↑ "'Emotional' Stamenić on leading All Whites after dad's passing". 1News. Archived from the original on 31 March 2026. Retrieved 25 April 2026.
  32. ↑ "Lachlan Bayliss earns January nomination for A-League Young Player award". Friends of Football. 10 February 2026. Archived from the original on 23 May 2026. Retrieved 25 April 2026.
  33. ↑ "Jets duo called up for Australia and New Zealand U23's". Newcastle Jets FC. 17 August 2023. Archived from the original on 23 April 2024. Retrieved 28 November 2023.
  34. ↑ "Men's Football Team Announced for Paris 2024". New Zealand Football. Archived from the original on 16 July 2024. Retrieved 14 July 2024.
  35. ↑ "New Zealand forced to make squad changes ahead of Olympic Games opener". Friends Of Football. 23 July 2024. Archived from the original on 26 July 2024. Retrieved 31 July 2024.
  36. ↑ "Debut Call-Up for Newcastle Jets' Lachlan Bayliss in All Whites Squad for Home Games Against Finland and Chile This March". www.nzfootball.co.nz. Retrieved 15 March 2026.
  37. ↑ Voerman, Andrew. "Newcastle Jets star Lachlan Bayliss gets chance to press FIFA World Cup case with All Whites". www.stuff.co.nz. Archived from the original on 17 March 2026. Retrieved 15 March 2026.
  38. ↑ "All Whites fail to fire in 2-0 loss to Finland in Auckland". 1News. Archived from the original on 19 June 2026. Retrieved 27 March 2026.
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