Clarke is fresh from a stunning second AFL season, which saw him play 14 senior matches and hold down one of the key defensive posts for the majority of the year.
The 19-year-old from Booleroo in country South Australia was considered a speculative selection when first drafted to the Lions with Pick No.4 in the 2011 AFL Rookie Draft, but has since repaid the Club’s faith.
He was elevated to the Club’s senior list at the beginning of the 2013 season and made his senior debut against Melbourne in Round 5 at the Gabba.
Clarke went on to play all but one of the team’s next 15 games (missing one match through suspension) before a shoulder injury suffered in Round 20 against Richmond prematurely ended his season.
Clarke said he was delighted to be continuing his career with the Lions.
“I love it in Brisbane and have really settled down here,” Clarke said.
“The Lions took a massive leap of faith in drafting me, so I feel a massive sense of loyalty towards the Club for giving me this opportunity.
“The Club has been incredibly supportive and has really helped in my development as a player. I’m obviously really excited about where this group is headed, and I can’t wait to be part of its future.
“It will be really good to pick (new Senior Coach) Justin Leppitsch’s brains, particularly as he was a key defender as well. Hopefully he can help develop my game, as I know I still have a long way to go.”
General Manager – Football Operations, Dean Warren, said Clarke’s re-signing was a significant boost for the Club’s key defensive stocks.
“We’re thrilled with how Justin has developed over the past two years, particularly given he probably didn’t come through the traditional AFL pathway,” Warren said.
“But he’s really applied himself since arriving in Brisbane and has reaped the benefits.
“We see him being a key pillar of our backline for a very long time.”
