A strong aerobic athlete, Clarke said that while the need to run quick and far remained a given for AFL success, the skill set of players stood out to him.
"It's amazing how many things you need to be good at to play this game. You can't just rely on one or two things," Clarke told AFL.com.au.
During his 67 games – 46 between 2007-09 and 21 since his return at the start of 2012 – Clarke has continually added to his repertoire.
Now he takes a longer set list onto the big stages such as the MCG.
Clarke said that on reflection, last year's comeback required a big readjustment.
Along with the changes in the game, competition for spots at the Magpies was hotter than it had been before he left and he was once again living far away from home.
"It all adds up," he said.
On Anzac Day last season Clarke signalled to everyone that he was capable of making a successful return to the game if he persisted.
He ran with Essendon's Brent Stanton, limiting his effectiveness and playing an important role in keeping the Magpies in the contest.
His memories of that day are of other's efforts in helping him curb the Bomber playmaker, with Clarke quick to mention the role his teammates played in assisting him.
Always feeling privileged to play in such a big game and well aware of the day's significance to Australians, Clarke said Anzac Day in 2012 reminded him he was back into Aussie Rules "big-time".
He has slipped into the groove earlier this season and is hoping with a significant chunk of the readjustment behind him, he can be more consistent in 2013.
Clarke's early form suggests he can. He was very good against Richmond, often finding space on the fat side of the ground. He kicked a goal – his second for the season – as he rolled up and down the wing.
At times he rumbles along like a cut-price removalist truck but he is hard to catch.
Although never one for the limelight, the 25-year-old's sporting journey remains an understated wonder.
Clarke admitted that the time he spent practising his skills and watching clips of the game meant that when he first played Gaelic football in 2010, his instincts had become that of an AFL player.
He was kicking the round ball like he was kicking drop punts and tackling illegally. He thought at the time that perhaps AFL might have rubbed off on him a little too much.
When he came back to AFL, it was the different flight of the football that had to adjust to most.
Clarke's style still carries the odd green tinge. Noticeable in the early rounds has been the higher elevation of his kicking. Sometimes his kicks look a little like he's drawn the pitching wedge from 20m off the green. He knows that he can be a little up and under at times and has worked with the coaches to drill his kicks a little lower.
"Obviously you can't afford to do that as much here. It is something I have improved on but obviously I need to go to another level again."
And then he says without even a hint of earnestness words that make you realise why he has become so good at his adopted sport.
"There is always things to work on and that is exciting as well."
Clarke is adding to his game every day. He has played the run-with role, on the wing and he can play in defence if needed.
The man from County Down knows to survive in the AFL one can't be a one-trick pony.
"If you can have a couple of strings to your bow it certainly helps because the competition for places is immense now," he said.
