Lachlan Bayliss

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. 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. He later assisted Eli Adams during the match.

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 in 27 appearances. 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. On 26 August, Bayliss made his debut for the club in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup, starting in their 1–0 loss to Al-Ahli at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium.

International career

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

In August 2023, Bayliss was called up to New Zealand U23 squad for OFC Olympic qualification matches against Papua New Guinea and Fiji. In July 2024, he was named as an alternate player for the New Zealand Olympic football team. On 23 July 2024, Bayliss was announced as being included in the squad proper after Riley Bidois withdrew due to injury 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. Bayliss made his debut in a 0–2 loss to Finland.

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

Honours Club Newcastle Jets

A-League Men – Premier's Plate (1): 2025–26. Australia Cup (1): 2025. A-League Men Goal of the Month: January 2026