Maclaren: It's a special and proud moment for me and my family

A fierce leader from the front, the most prolific goal scorer in A-Leagues history and now the captain of Melbourne City.

Jamie Maclaren will lead the club in the 2023/24 season as we look to continue our historic run in the A-League Men’s competition, set our sights on the Australia Cup and have a successful AFC Champions League campaign.

It’s the ultimate honour for Maclaren and a role that means a lot to him and his family.

“I know what it brings to carry the title of captain at this football club,” Maclaren said. “I’ve been part of a successful team here at City under a very successful captain in Scott Jamieson and have worked under another in PK (Patrick Kisnorbo), so I know what it takes.”

“Being from this city, to be named captain is a special and proud moment for me and my family. I love this club and I’m excited to lead this team into a new era.” 

The 30-year-old has described himself as a captain who will inspire his team on the field with both his actions and positive reinforcement. Maclaren will be supported in his leadership role by vice-captains Mathew Leckie, Andrew Nabbout and Jamie Young.

“I lead by example through my actions, sometimes being a striker I can step up in big moments with a goal when it’s needed but also as I’ve gotten older, I’m speaking and motivating before the game and during the game and passing on positive messages to my teammates,” Maclaren explained.

“I’m very lucky that I’ve got such an experienced squad with me now, a lot of new faces who have had a lot of very good experience overseas,” he said. “I can lean on my leadership group as well, Jamie Young, Andrew Nabbout and Mathew Leckie – all three are massive leaders, they lead by example on the pitch and off the pitch, I’m a very lucky captain and I look forward to the season ahead.”

👀 See the moment our newest captain was announced to our @aleaguemen squad! pic.twitter.com/xGGICbX4XY
— Melbourne City FC (@MelbourneCity) September 1, 2023

Melbourne City FC Director of Football, Michael Petrillo, has opened up on why our number 9 is the perfect man to lead the club forwards.

“Jamie’s now coming into his fifth season and is a Melbourne City person who loves the club,” Petrillo said. “He’s been very close to Scott so has learnt a lot of leadership qualities and is a player who leads from the front.”

“He’s always willing to press and do the hard work. He’s prepared to roll up his sleeves and set an example for other players but most of all, he’s a Melbourne City man.”

Petrillo highlights Maclaren’s desire to continue improving, his drive to be successful and to inspire his teammates along the journey.  

“When he arrived at the club, his sole focus was scoring goals. Not that that’s changed, but I think what’s developed over the years is a real want to win trophies, set high standards and do whatever it takes for the team.” 

Former club captain and now Assistant Coach, Scott Jamieson, was full of praise when talking about his successor.

“I think throughout the last few years Jamie has been a character and a person who has had a massive influence on everyone in the changeroom and inside the football club,” Jamieson reflected.

“There were times last season where I wasn’t playing, and he was the next man up and he did an unbelievable job. Throughout the years he’s added extra layers to his ability to score goals and has naturally evolved into someone who is really looked upon from the team for advice on ways to get better and I think he’s naturally progressing into a really good leader.”

Jamieson and Maclaren have built a strong relationship throughout the years, and the former skipper has no doubt that Maclaren is the best man to lead the team ahead of the 2023/24 season.

“He’s unique in the sense of number 9s are usually the most selfish people on the pitch, but he shows leadership, and he puts the club and the team first,” Jamieson said. “I’m looking forward to watching him lead the team and this club into the next phase.”