The World Game has learned of the dramatic change to the line-up, but it remains to be seen what reasoning Brisbane coach John Aloisi offers publicly for the decision to remove Maclaren from the starting side.
Maclaren has been involved in a well-publicised contract stand-off with the Roar.
The Socceroos striker and the Roar's leading goal-scorer last season, and again so far this season, is off contract at the end of the campaign and has so far rejected the club's bid to re-sign him.
There has been speculation that Maclaren could leave Brisbane during the January transfer window, with several overseas clubs having been suggested as potentially being interested in picking him up.
He is obviously still at the Roar at this stage, but if he does remain there after the transfer window shuts, it is getting hard to picture him staying beyond this season.
Fourth-placed Brisbane desperately need a win to keep the heat on second-placed Victory for all-important top-two spots going into the finals.
The Roar are eight points behind the Victory, who also have a game in hand on them.
Watch the FIFA World Cup 2026™, Tour de France, Tour de France Femmes, Giro d’Italia, Vuelta a España, Dakar Rally, World Athletics / ISU Championships (and more) via SBS On Demand – your free live streaming and catch-up service. Read more about Sport
Have a story or comment? Contact Us

