Blackburn Rovers' Australian Under-19 international forward Jamie Maclaren played and scored for Norwich City's Under-21 Development Squad in their 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace on 4th May 2013. He was released by Rovers on 4th June 2013

Originally from Melbourne, Maclaren featured for local clubs Sunbury United and Green Gully, along with the Victorian Institute of Sport before joining then-Premier League side Blackburn Rovers in 2009 at the tender age of 15.

He was one of Australia's standouts during 2013's U20 World Cup, scoring a stunning goal against Turkey.

On 2nd July 2013, Maclaren returned home to join Perth Glory

“I’m thrilled to be joining Perth Glory for the next three years. I learnt a lot in England, but ultimately, at this stage of my career, I’d love the opportunity to be playing regular first team football. Alistair Edwards was a major factor in my decision to join Perth and I believe he’ll help develop my football at club level which will hopefully allow me to fulfil my ambition to keep progressing through the national team setup. I’ve got plenty of hard work ahead of me and now I’m looking forward to meeting my new teammates and beginning pre-season.”

He left Perth on 29th June 2015 as part of the fall-out from a salary cap scandal. He signed for Brisbane Roar on 5th July 2015.he finished the first season in brisbane as the runner up in the A-league's golden boot award. and was awarded the Young Player of the Year award. He was linked with German side FSV Mainz 05.

Maclaren made his full Australia debut in the May 2016 friendly with England. He has sicne won further caps.

May 2017 saw Maclaren joined German 2. Bundesliga club Darmstadt 98 signing a three-year deal. He made his debut as a 63rd minute substitution in a 1–1 draw away to FC Kaiserslautern on 4th August 2017. In January 2018, he was loaned to Scottish side Hibs in the hope that more playing time would boost his chances of being selected for Australia's World Cup squad. Eight goals in 15 appearances for Hibs did the trick and he was included in Australia's World Cup squad.

On 3rd August 2018, Maclaren returned to Hibernian on a season-long loan This spell was less productive, as Maclaren only scored one goal and he struggled to hold down a regular place in the starting lineup. The loan was terminated and Maclaren signed for Austalian A-League side Melbourne City on a contract until 2023.

He played in three of Australia's four games at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar; all three appearances as substitute.