Eltham Redbacks FC is delighted to announce George Katsakis as Senior Men’s Head Coach for the 2027 season.
George brings more than three decades of senior coaching in Victoria to The Web, and one of the strongest records of any coach in the state.
He is best known for his time at Heidelberg United, where he became the longest-serving coach in the club’s history. Across 2007 to 2023 he took the Bergers to three straight NPL Victoria premierships (2017, 2018 and 2019), the 2017 Dockerty Cup and the 2017 NPL Australian Championship, and led them to three Australia Cup quarter-finals. He was named NPL Victoria Coach of the Year in 2017.
Most recently, George guided Bentleigh Greens to the 2025 VPL1 championship and promotion, sealed in front of more than 1,500 fans, and was named VPL1 Coach of the Year.
George’s football story started as a player. He came through the Heidelberg juniors, was named NSL Under-21 Player of the Year in 1985 and earned a call-up to the Young Socceroos before a broken leg ended his playing days early. He turned to coaching straight away, and has been at it ever since, including promotions with Northcote City and Kingston City before his Heidelberg years.
His teams are built on a clear identity: organised, hard to beat, comfortable playing out from the back, and full of players who are picked for their character as much as their ability. He has always made room for young players to step up into senior football, which fits the pathway Eltham has been building.
Speaking on his appointment, George said it was a matter of waiting for the right opportunity.
“For me it was a bit of a waiting game. I wanted to make sure I was offered something from a club that’s aspiring for success, whether that’s in the NPL or VPL1. Striving to win trophies is all I’ve been used to, and I want to keep doing what I’ve always done and be a winner.”
In a joint statement, the club’s Chief Operating Officer, Gabby Montagnese, and Director of Football, Joe Montagnese, said:
“Following several years of significant growth and success, the Club is entering an exciting new chapter, with a clear ambition to continue progressing, competing for promotion and building a sustainable pathway to the highest levels of Victorian football.
This appointment represents an important step in our long-term strategy and reflects our commitment to three key priorities: player development, on-field success and a strong alignment with our Club values and culture.
We are committed to creating an environment where players are challenged, supported and inspired to reach their full potential, both individually and collectively. We believe that sustained success comes from strong leadership, high standards, a united football program and a genuine commitment to developing people.
Our ambition extends beyond winning matches. We want to continue building a football program that our players, members and wider community are proud to be part of, while remaining true to the values that have shaped our Club.
We believe Kats shares this vision and brings the leadership, experience and commitment required to help take the Redbacks to the next level.
Our direction is clear. Our ambition is strong. And our commitment to building a successful, sustainable and values-driven football club remains unwavering.
We warmly welcome Kats to the Redbacks family and look forward to an exciting 2027 season and beyond.”
George said his conversations with Gabby and Joe made the decision clear.
“After speaking to Gabby and Joe, I got the feeling there’s a sleeping giant here. With everything they’ve shown me, it just feels like the right fit.
“The most impressive thing is what they’ve shown through their promotion. When you see 1,200 juniors, a women’s team in the NPL and a men’s team that only just missed out on promotion, all the ingredients I was looking for are in one hub. It looks like such a great family club. When we were promoting Heidelberg as a family club, it was quite similar to this, and I want to be involved in something like that.
“I like to see stability. They’re level-headed and they’re not getting ahead of themselves. They’ve established themselves, and now they’re serious about the next chapter. To me, that’s really important.”
One Club. One Vision. One Redbacks Family.