Crossword Genius

Exclusive rise of the last clay square (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

elite

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

This might be a double definition.

'exclusive' is the first definition.
(I've seen this before)

'rise of the last clay square' is the second definition.
Both the answer and definition are adjectives. Maybe you can see a link between them that I can't see?

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for elite that I've seen before include "Selected as the best" , "Creme de la creme" , "type in pool?" , "A privileged group in society" , "twelve pitch in the office" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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