Attacking Midfielder · 🇳🇿 New Zealand
Lachlan Candy is a dynamic attacking midfielder who came through the Wellington Phoenix academy — one of Australasia's most respected football development pathways. Described by scouts as a versatile forward best known for his speed, mobility, and smart technique, Candy has accumulated senior professional experience across A-League, Australia Cup, and international competition by the age of 20.
His goal in the OFC U-19 Championship final — breaking the deadlock in a 4-0 victory over New Caledonia — established him as a match-winner at international youth level. His A-League debut followed months later, on Waitangi Day 2025, in front of nearly 10,000 fans at Sky Stadium, Wellington.
Now based in Melbourne following his transition year, Candy has concluded his time with Mornington SC and his first-team training opportunity with Oakleigh Cannons. He is open to new opportunities and targeting first-team senior minutes as a pathway toward professional football.
Wellington Phoenix · February 2025
Wellington Phoenix debut · August 2024
Wellington Phoenix Reserves
2024 loan spell
Scored the opening goal in the final. New Zealand unbeaten and did not concede a single goal across the tournament.
Grassroots development in Wellington, New Zealand.
Entered one of Australasia's most respected development pathways.
Progressed into the club's reserve side.
12 appearances, 6 goals — a productive senior-level loan spell.
New Zealand U20. Scored the opening goal (37') in the final as New Zealand beat New Caledonia 4-0. Unbeaten throughout, no goals conceded.
Wellington Phoenix vs South Melbourne — Australia Cup.
Wellington Phoenix vs Brisbane Roar, Waitangi Day fixture, Sky Stadium Wellington (att. 9,084). Second-half substitute in the 89th minute; match ended 1-1. Described by A-Leagues as "a fairytale moment for a local Wellington Phoenix talent."
Wellington Phoenix Reserves / Academy side vs Wrexham AFC at Sky Stadium (att. 25,399). Came on as a second-half substitute as the young Phoenix beat Wrexham 1-0.
Relocated to Melbourne, Australia. Played with Mornington SC and trained with the Oakleigh Cannons FC first team; both opportunities have now concluded as he targets first-team senior minutes.
Mornington signs the former Wellington Phoenix attacking midfielder from Oakleigh Cannons. Assistant coach Marinos Panayi: “He's the best 20-year-old I've ever seen.”
Read articleThe A-Leagues mark Lachlan's A-League Men debut for Wellington Phoenix against Brisbane Roar on Waitangi Day.
Read articleNamed one of the Phoenix Academy's top prospects: a versatile attacker best used as a 10 or winger, with “speed and mobility” and “smart technique”.
Read articleLachlan makes his Wellington Phoenix first-team debut off the bench against South Melbourne in the Australia Cup Round of 32.
Read articleLachlan scores the opening goal in the OFC U-19 Championship final as New Zealand beat New Caledonia 4-0 to win the title.
Read articleLachlan named in New Zealand's U-20 squad for the OFC Men's U-19 Championship.
Read articleOfficial NZ Football announcement of the U-20 squad, including Lachlan, for the OFC U-19 Championship.
Read articleLachlan in action over recent seasons.
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A few match clips and media coverage from around the web.
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