“Javier [Cabrera] played a great ball across the box and that’s where I do my work – in the six yard box.

“You play against some really big centre backs and tough centre backs that want to beat you physically. If I drag my runs out then guys like Javier and Noony [Craig Noon] get isolated and able to do their work.

“You saw how well [Adrian] Luna got in the box the other day. He made two good runs and scored two goals.

“Maybe that’s from me creating space for him but, at the end of the day, I’m a team player and if I’m not scoring it’s great to see other players stepping up and putting the ball in the back of the net."

On Saturday, Maclaren and his City brethren will meet cross-town foes Melbourne Victory in the traditional Christmas Derby and, should his run off form continue an, his hitman reputation could take on a different dimension. 

A defeat for the desperate four-time A-League champions could very well see them finish 2019 at the foot of the table.

With this sputtering start to the season, Victory finds themselves under ever-increasing scrutiny with, as ever in these situations, speculation rife on the ongoing tenure of Head Coach Marco Kurz.

Maclaren, therefore, is expecting a battle.

“Having had a German manager before, they’re all about backing up and winning your duels and I’m sure Marco Kurz is no different,” he said. “I’m sure he’ll be telling his players to win their individual battles.

“We’ll just go out and play their game plan and – I’m sure they’ll have one too – but it will be an interesting sort of derby.  

“It’s probably not going to be easy on the eyes. Some derbies aren’t - and I’ve played in some big ones in Scotland. Fans don’t expect to see some beautiful football, it’s more about competitiveness, and whoever turns up wins.

“Playing in the Melbourne derby last year was a great experience, scored a penalty and just being able to celebrate in front of where they have more fans.

“You can celebrate in front of them and have a bit of banter with them. That’s what football is about, that’s what derbies are about.

“I’ve always wanted to be a legend in my home town, Melbourne City is the club I’m representing and long may that continue.”