He might have only played 28 senior games of AFL football, but Justin Clarke is already taking on great responsibility in the Brisbane Lions’ backline.

With Daniel Merrett playing as a more permanent forward these days, Clarke is often given the task on matching up against the opposition’s key spearhead.

And the 20-year-old from Booleroo in country South Australia is embracing the new challenge.

“I’ve always enjoyed a challenge,” Clarke told Dom Fay and Michael Whiting as part of the regular Fancast on LIONS TV.

“I usually get told earlier in the week that this is the bloke I’ll be matching up on, and I’m like ‘righto, bring it on’.

That’s the side of things that I really enjoy, having that opportunity to match it with the best and seeing how you go.”

Clarke said he owes a lot of his development this season to Senior Coach Justin Leppitsch, who has shared some of his old tricks of the trade.

“It’s been awesome. It’s certainly something pretty special to be able to learn from one of the best defenders,” Clarke said.

“(He provides) tips like body positioning, starting points and little things that might annoy opponents.

“The continual exposure to these little nuances…has certainly made a huge difference in my development.”

Clarke will line up for only his second ever outing at the MCG this Saturday afternoon when the Lions face Richmond – and will be hoping for a better outcome this time around.

“Last year was my one and only game there and I did my shoulder and it was against Richmond as well, so it will be interesting to return,” he said.

“Mum and dad keyed this one in a little while ago because they wanted to watch their kid play footy on the MCG. It’s something you look forward to.”