Eltham makes the stunning decision to sack coach Paul King three weeks out from finals

Eltham has made the stunning call to sack coach Paul King on the eve of NFL Division 2 finals but the Panthers defended the timing of the decision, saying it is in the club’s best interests.

Eltham coach Paul King. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Eltham president Michael Smith has defended the shock sacking of coach Paul King.

The Panthers gave King his marching orders on Wednesday night, just three weeks out from Northern Football League finals.

Last year’s runner-up sits third on the Division 2 ladder and is expected to rival Banyule and Whittlesea for the premiership and promotion.

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However, Smith was confident King’s sudden departure would not derail the Eltham’s season.

“We just thought it was in the best interests of the club, as our statement said. I’m not going to elaborate on it any further,” Smith said.

“I understand (the timing) would seem (strange) but as I said it was done in the best long-term interests of the club.

Paul King was been sacked by Eltham. Picture: Hamish Blair

“I do believe (we can win the premiership). We’ve always believed that with the list we’ve got.”

Eltham released a statement on Thursday morning announcing the decision.

King declined to comment when contacted by Leader.

Assistant coaches Brent Macaffer and Michael Still will take on interim co-coaching roles for the remainder of the season.

Macaffer, a Collingwood premiership player, arrived at Eltham Central Park in 2018 while former Essendon-listed forward Still joined has been a Panther since 2017.

“They’ve been appointed at this stage as interim coaches and that’s the only thing that’s been confirmed at this point,” Smith said.

Eltham missed out on promotion to Division 1 after a heartbreaking grand final loss to Lower Plenty last year.

The Panthers kept the Bears goalless to three-quarter-time and led by 19 points but were run down in dramatic fashion.

The club has been ensconced in the top four since Round 5 but hasn’t won consecutive games since rounds 8 and 9.

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