Queensland finished the second day at 202 for 5 in response to Victoria's first-innings total of 307, with Clayton emerging as the backbone of the home side's batting effort.
The right-handed batter faced 191 deliveries and struck eight boundaries, producing a determined innings under pressure. However, he narrowly missed out on a century after scoring just four runs in the final over of the day, bowled by part-time spinner Ollie Peake.
Clayton's impressive knock continued his consistent run of form this season, marking his fourth half-century across the Sheffield Shield and one-day competitions.
Victoria captain Will Sutherland made an immediate impact after bringing himself into the attack. He dismissed Hugh Weibgen with his first delivery before having Hugo Burdon caught by Marcus Harris at third slip in the same over, leaving Queensland struggling at 33 for 2.
However, Clayton combined with opener Angus Lovell to rebuild the innings. The pair added a valuable 85-run partnership for the third wicket, shifting some pressure back onto the visitors.
Victoria responded through Matt Hennig, who also struck with his first delivery of a new spell, trapping Lovell lbw for 36 to claim his maiden Sheffield Shield wicket.
Hennig continued to trouble Queensland, with Liam Blackford taking a sharp bat-pad catch to dismiss Lachlan Hearne for just two runs two overs later.
Queensland suffered another setback when wicketkeeper-batter Jimmy Peirson skied spinner Todd Murphy to Sutherland at midwicket, leaving the hosts at 174 for 5 and once again under pressure.
Earlier in the day, Victoria resumed their first innings at 282 for 9. Queensland leg-spinner Mitch Swepson wrapped up the innings by dismissing Hennig for four, while Sutherland remained unbeaten on 43.
With Queensland still 105 runs behind Victoria's first-innings total, Clayton's unbeaten 99 will be crucial when play resumes. The home side will be hoping their in-form batter can convert his effort into a century and guide Queensland towards a competitive position in the match.
