Lachlan Bayliss

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.

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. 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. The season saw the team win the Premiership for finishing top of the table and achieve promotion to the top flight, however losing the Grand Final 2–1 after extra time to St George City. 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. 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. 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. His departure from the club was confirmed the following day.

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. 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. 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. Bayliss scored his first professional goal in round eight of the 2024–25 A-League in a 4–0 win over Perth Glory. 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. 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. Bayliss scored 5 goals and registered 3 assists during the regular season. 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.

Auckland FC On 24 June 2026, Bayliss joined fellow A-League Men side Auckland FC on a free transfer.