Clayton only managed four runs off the last over of the day from part-time spinner Ollie Peake, before stumps were called on Sunday at the Gabba.
The game is in the balance, with the home side 5-202 in reply to Victoria's 307.
While Clayton probably faced a restless night's sleep, he continued his strong form this season with a fourth half-century across the Shield and one-day competitions.
The No.4 had faced 191 balls and struck eight fours to anchor the Queensland innings. Hayden Kerr was unbeaten on 14.
Victorian captain Will Sutherland brought himself into the attack and had immediate effect, bowling Hugh Weibgen with his first delivery.
He then had No.3 Hugo Burdon caught by Marcus Harris at third slip at the end of the same over and Queensland were in strife at 2-33.
But Clayton and opener Angus Lovell put on 85 for the third wicket to put the pressure back on Victoria.
Matt Hennig was brought back into the attack and, like Sutherland, struck with the first delivery of his spell. He trapped Lovell lbw for 36 - his first Shield wicket.
Two overs later, Liam Blackford snared a sharp chance at bat-pad off Hennig and Lachlan Hearne was out for two.
When Jimmy Peirson skied spinner Todd Murphy to Sutherland at mid-wicket, suddenly Queensland were back in trouble at 5-174.
Clayton and Kerr navigated through to stumps and the Monday morning session will be crucial to the result.
Victoria resumed on 9-282 and Mitch Swepson took his second wicket when he dismissed Hennig for four, leaving Sutherland unbeaten on 43. Cameron Gannon snared 5-66 and Jem Ryan took three wickets.
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