The coach behind Eltham’s remarkable climb through Victorian football is moving on

There is change coming at Eltham Redbacks after the coach behind one of Victorian football’s most impressive recent climbs departed, having taken the club from State League 1 to the VPL1 playoffs.

Eltham confirmed Alan Mulcahy’s tenure as head coach has come to an end following the conclusion of the 2026 season, drawing the curtain on a hugely successful period at the club.

Mulcahy oversaw consecutive promotions with the Redbacks, first leading them out of State League 1 before navigating VPL2 and securing another step up into VPL1.

But Eltham’s rise didn’t stop there. Competing one level below NPL Victoria in 2026, the Redbacks continued their momentum and secured a playoff position, putting themselves within reach of a remarkable third promotion.

While that final step ultimately proved beyond them, Mulcahy leaves having helped transform Eltham’s standing in the Victorian pyramid across a memorable few seasons.

The Redbacks said the time was right for a change as Mulcahy takes time to consider his next move, with the club already progressing plans for 2027 and an announcement on his successor to come.