Bulldogs players Nathan Eagleton, Brian Harris and Adam Cooney have returned to childhood, spending their days bouncing on inflatable trampolines, racing down slides and shooting hoops.

The players open their new Kidz PlayShak this week in Altona North. They co-own the play-centre and café along with their partners and wives.

“When we finished the home-and-away football season it was time to get serious about the centre and we have all been spending our days and some nights down here preparing for the opening,” Harris said.

“It has actually been quite enjoyable wielding a hammer and having to do some of the labour ourselves and we can now see the results.”

Situated on Blackshaws Road in Altona North, the play-centre houses an inflatable trampoline, triple-deck play structure, enclosed basketball court, handball target, toddler area, infant area, TV chill out area and themed party rooms including a football room.

Some of the first “real” kids to try out the centre are the latest batch of “Pedigree Pups” children. The holiday program run by the Western Bulldogs caters for five to 12-year-olds and includes a trip to the Grand Final parade on Friday.

The school holiday program, run in April, July and September each year, is led by the Bulldogs community division, SpiritWest Services and provides an outlet for children keen to learn more about football while having fun.