In August 2022, whilst playing for Doncaster East against the Balwyn Tigers in the Eastern Football Netball League, Clarke pushed opponent Eli Templeton in the back sending him into a water container and over a wire fence. Templeton's head then hit a footpath and he sustained serious injuries, including a fractured skull and bleeding on the brain.
Clarke was issued a two week ban over the incident, by the league tribunal. The decision is set to be appealed by the Balwyn Tigers, who believe the punishment to be inadequate.
