Clarke has been among Freo’s best performers in the past month, playing mostly as a forward and backing up Aaron Sandilands in the ruck.
Lyon said the club wanted to give the 24-year-old more time on the ball, given Sandilands was in the latter stages of his decorated career.
“We’d like to shift it that way,” he said.
“At some point it’s going to keep shifting and it’ll help Aaron.
“Aaron’s a real weapon forward.”
Lyon said Clarke had impressed him as a forward, particularly this season.
“Zac’s really developing as a forward, he did a lot of damage as a forward on the weekend, and he did a lot of damage the previous two weeks as a forward,” he said.
“He’s grown, his mobility, he’s elite.
“We know he’s really capable in the ruck and he’s building towards his best form in there, as well.”
The senior coach said Clarke and Sandilands had started to work really well together, but added pressure for selection was still there.
“Jon Griffin’s really starting to come on, and Jack Hannath down there (at Peel),” Lyon said.
“We’re a little bit spoilt in that area at the minute, but last year highlighted how quickly that can change.”
