Known as "Crackers" (after former VFL star Peter Keenan), Keating was selected by the Brisbane Bears as a local (along with Brent Green in 1992, playing for their under 19s).
In 1997 he was a member of the inaugural Brisbane Lions team following the Bears merger with Fitzroy.
Known by some as the "September Specialist", Keating's history of shoulder injuries sidelined him during the 2002 and 2003 seasons, but he went on and played magnificent finals series to taste premiership success with the Lions 3 times in a row.
[1] Despite not playing the required 150 games, Keating was awarded Brisbane Lions Life Membership for his contributions to the club.
[2] In October 2008, dual premiership ruckman Beau McDonald replaced former premiership team-mate Clark Keating as the Club's part-time ruck coach next season due to Keating's growing business interests.