The VFLW Bombers are putting in the work as they gear up for a return to competition in 2021.

After COVID-19 forced the cancellation of the 2020 VFLW season, the players have finally been reunited at the NEC Hangar over the past fortnight for the start of pre-season.

Familiar faces on the track on Thursday evening included reigning captain Courtney Ugle, reigning best and fairest Georgia Nanscawen and stars Kendra Heil and Simone Nalder.

(See a selection of snaps from Thursday's session below)

Coach Brendan Major will again steer the Bombers in their third VFLW season, which is likely to commence in late February.

Essendon is determined to be granted at an AFLW licence by 2022, with a new women's facility as part of the stage two development of the NEC Hangar set to be completed in early 2021.