He is the son of former Fitzroy player and Gold Coast list manager, Scott Clayton, and was drafted under the father-son rule.

Clayton showed promise as a versatile player from a young age and played with the Sandringham Dragons in the TAC Cup and for Vic Metro in the 2014 AFL Under 18 Championships.

Due to his prospects as a potential father-son selection, Clayton was able to train with the Brisbane Lions for two weeks in December 2013 and January 2014.

[3] Due to being a father-son selection and chosen in advance of the draft itself, Clayton was able to begin training with Brisbane a month early in November.

[8] Despite inconsistent form,[9] he impressed enough to make his debut in Brisbane's sixty point loss to Geelong in round 22 at the Gabba.