Maclaren is one of the best young strikers in the country, but playing behind leading import Andy Keogh means he has to bide his time when twin strikers are rarely used.
He has sat on the bench without coming on at all in the last two rounds, but is nevertheless preparing himself to play a major role in Glory's game against Brisbane Roar at nib Stadium on Saturday night. That way, he knows he'll be ready if the call comes.
"I'm still highly motivated to do whatever I can," Maclaren says. "I believe good things will happen because of all the hard work I've put in this season, going back to pre-season, so I've just got to maintain my mental strength.
"Nothing has changed, I haven't backed off, I haven't stopped doing anything. I've stuck at it and I'm just waiting for my next chance.
"When you're sitting on the bench you've got to be ready in case the call comes, so I watch the game closely and try to read where I might be able to get a look-in and a chance for a goal if I come on.
"It's my job to provide a spark if I come on, so I prepare to do that by staying alert."
Maclaren, 21, has still managed to score four goals this season despite mostly coming off the bench. They have usually been very important goals as well, with Glory desperately trying to get a result in the closing stages.
He admits to getting frustrated sitting on the bench, particularly when he doesn't get on at all, but says Perth coach Kenny Lowe understands that.
"The coach wouldn't like it if his players were happy sitting on the bench," Maclaren says. "That's not the sort of player he wants.
"Being a professional, I do understand the situation, but I can't help being frustrated at times. I'm not selfish, I'm a team player, but like any player I want to be out there.
"It's just one of those situations where you've got to keep doing the right things at training and when you get your chance in a game you take it and that's your reward.
"Kenny and I have spoken about it a few times and he's told me he respects me because I understand the situation. He encourages me to keep working hard.
"Like any player, I want to be out there all the time, but I'm in a terrific team that's top of the league and at the moment I'm used as this weapon off the bench.
"I don't know how long it's going to continue like that, but whatever minutes I get I'm just going to try to get a goal here and there and do my best for the team."
Maclaren is in the front line for selection in the Australian under-23 side for AFC Championship qualifying matches in Taiwan late next month. The three games will serve as the beginning of the qualifying process for next year's Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.
He is using that Olympic dream and the thought of potential A-League success at the end of the season with the Perth team as motivation to remain pumped up.
"I've got so much to look forward to and that's what's keeping me going," Maclaren said. "That's what's keeping me confident and I'm not going to stop working hard.
"We've got the A-League finals coming up and if I get selected for the Olyroos I want to be as fit as I can. Apart from the team training session I did a second training session on Thursday with our youth head coach at Glory, John Gibson. That's how I stay as ready as I can for whatever comes.
"I'm working towards getting selected in the Olyroos squad that's going away for qualifying and also doing my part for the Glory.
"The Olyroos had a camp in China back in November. We played three games and did quite well. It's a great bunch of buys. I don't know what the squad's going to be this time around - there are a lot of guys putting their hand up - but I'm obviously very keen to be there.
"I don't know the plans Aurelio (Vidmar, the Olyroos coach) has, but I think I've played enough this season to have caught his eye. My aim is to stay as fit as I can. I do my work with the rest of the boys at Glory and extra stuff as well, to stay sharp."
Maclaren is hoping the game against Roar is the one where he gets his next chance to show his wares.
"I'll be ready," he said. "I've got to be, because any opportunity I get could be very important to the team."
