Full-back Luke Van Heugten and centre half-back Cam Mather will strengthen the Tigers’ back six for their Anzac Day clash with rival Hamilton Kangaroos at Melville Oval today.

Mather missed the entire 2014 campaign with a knee injury and returned via the reserves in round one.

Portland coach Luke Crane said he was thrilled to have two key defensive pillars back in the line-up.

But he said their inclusions, along with that of Jesse Murray and teenage debutant Paddy Haylock, gave the Tigers’ selection committee headaches on Thursday night.

Three teenagers — Lochie Huppatz, Josh Gray and Luke Hodge — were omitted. 

“I didn’t want to do that after one game but given the wet conditions (predicted) we needed some bigger bodies,” Crane said. 

Hamilton Kangaroos coach Jarrod Holt said Van Heugten and Mather were quality players who would play key roles for the Tigers.

“Luke is as good a defender as there is in the competition no doubt and anyone who has played on him agrees with that,” the former Portland coach said.

“I have coached him before and I know how good he is and have a lot of respect for the way he plays.

“Cam is an athlete and can run. He’s got all the attributes to be a good player even though he hasn’t played much the last couple of years.”

Holt said Portland, despite suffering a round one loss at home to Port Fairy, would worry opponents this season.

“I am expecting them to be a pretty strong side this year,” he said.

“I know everyone thinks they’ve lost a few players but their best players are still there and they’re very good.”

The Kangaroos lost every quarter to Cobden in round one but challenged the Bombers multiple times.

Holt said his charges’ endeavour was first-class but their set-ups at stoppages and ball movement faltered under the Bombers’ pressure.

Hamilton Kangaroos will unveil a debutant in former Branxholme midfielder Nathan Lester.

“He’s a good ball user; his skills are good and that is something we lack,” Holt said.

“He started pre-season late because of cricket but his form in the practice matches and last week (in the reserves) has been good.”

Both coaches said playing on Anzac Day was special.

“It adds a bit more to that game. We will go down at dawn here and attend the Anzac service and then head up there,” Crane said.

“We have to show the day the respect too.” 

justine.mc@fairfaxmedia.com.au