SIMEON THOMAS-WILSON Mercury
Tiger Brandon Batchelor hopes the Anzac Day match will become a tradition. Picture: KIM EISZELE

THE Tigers will be without key forward Josh Halton for the Anzac Day match against Glenorchy today.

For the second year in a row the Twin Ovals will host a TSL game on the symbolic day, but if the Tigers are hoping to add to last year’s victory over Clarence — the first win for the club — the young Cubs will have to do it without their spearhead, who sits equal third on the goal kicking standings with 10.

“We won’t have Josh Halton which is disappointing,” Tigers coach Adam Henley said.

“He’s going to see a specialist this week, his back has flared up again.”

But while Halton will be missing, his teammates are hoping the occasion of the day will result in them rising for the second year running.

“Last year was a pretty big moment for the club so it makes the day even more special,” said Tigers ball-winner Brandon Batchelor.

“Hopefully we can make it a tradition [playing at the Twin Ovals on Anzac Day].

“I think a few of us will go to a dawn service, so it will make the day even more special.”

Glenorchy also has a full-forward under an injury cloud, but Magpie coach Aaron Cornelius is confident that Mitch Hills will pass a late fitness test to take to the field.

“We are just waiting to see if Mitch Hills will come through a fitness test in the morning,” Cornelius said.

“But it looks like he will be fine so that will be an interesting match-up out there.”

If Hills is passed fit as Cornelius predicts he should be, it would add more firepower to the Pies, who are looking for their seventh straight win over the Tigers.

“We have had a really good run against them over the past couple of years but they will be a different side this year,” Cornelius said.

“We understand that and know we are going to be in for a tough test.”

The match begins at 2.35pm.