Bulldogs braced for a hard time in the northern heartland

A RALLY to save Holden which was to be hosted by Central District this weekend has been cancelled after the manufacturer's announcement.

A COMMUNITY rally to save Holden which was to be hosted by the Central District Football Club this weekend has been cancelled after the car manufacturer's grim announcement.

The rally was being organised by the Northern Network of Service Providers for Saturday, but was called off after Holden confirmed it would close its Australian operations by 2017.

It means the Bulldogs, who are the pride of the northern suburbs after a record-breaking nine SANFL premierships from 2000 to 2010, could be looking for a new major sponsor for the first time in 25 years.

The club also estimates that up to half of its supporter base either works or has worked at Holden's Elizabeth plant.

News_Rich_Media: Holden's decision to end local car making will devastate the South Australian community of Elizabeth.

It has grave fears for the community's future.

Holden's sponsorship of the football club has traditionally been a year-by-year deal since 1989, but there is no agreement in place for 2014.

Central District chief executive Kris Grant would not reveal what the sponsorship deal was worth but said he was meeting with Holden next week.

"No doubt there is uncertainty going forward," Mr Grant said.

"Not only the fact that they're our major sponsor, but the frightening thing is the impact it will have on the community up here which I think will be monumental.

"We are concerned for the community and as a consequence what that also means for our operations in total from our licenced operations to attendances - it's a very serious issue and we need to get our heads around it.

"No doubt this will be felt around the state and the country but for us it will be drastic.

"It's quite a substantial sponsorship arrangement and we are meeting with Holden next week to find out whether it's going ahead."