Captain Dyson Heppell starred in his return from injury, while recruits Nick Hind, Jye Caldwell and Nik Cox were among the standouts in Essendon's match simulation session at the NEC Hangar on Thursday.

In a full-scale hitout in hot and windy conditions, the Bombers were split into two teams with 10 VFL top-up players including new signing Kyle Dunkley also featuring.

Heppell showed no ill-effects from the foot injury that ruined his 2020 season, racking up possessions, kicking a goal and courageously going back with the flight of the ball in full game time.

The 28-year-old started in defence as part of a new-look half-back line also featuring Hind, Jayden Laverde, Ned Cahill and Tom Hird, while forwards-turned-defenders Jayden Laverde and James Stewart looked comfortable as stoppers.

Hind in particular was eye-catching.

Returning to the position he starred in for the VFL Bombers before his move to St Kilda, the speedster found a heap of the footy, broke the lines and consistently found his teammates with pinpoint accuracy.

Fellow trade acquisition Caldwell also impressed with his aggression, ball-winning ability and composure alongside Kyle Langford, Darcy Parish, Dylan Shiel and Zach Merrett in the engine room.

The former Giant made his presence felt early, bursting out of a centre stoppage and delivering inside 50 to Harrison Jones, who took a diving mark and converted the set-shot.

Caldwell's best moment came later, however, when he dispossessed Stewart, earned a free and converting from a tight angle against a strong breeze.

No.8 selection Cox was the pick of the five draftees, with all eight new Bombers in action.

The athletic 200cm recruit kicked the first goal of the game as a wingman, pushing up to the goal-square to mark and convert from close range.

He ran hard to make an impact all over the ground, with a hanger in defence his highlight of the afternoon.

After starting in defence, Cale Hooker switched to attack in the second half to lead the goalkicking with three majors.

No.39 pick Josh Eyre made the most of his limited opportunities with two goals, while Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti (two) was a constant threat.

Andrew McGrath (head knock), Sam Draper (managed), Jake Stringer (Achilles), David Zaharakis (knee), Michael Hurley (hip), Patrick Ambrose (foot), Irving Mosquito (knee), Lachlan Johnson (knee), Dylan Clarke (ankle), Brandon Zerk-Thatcher (managed) and Cian McBride (managed) missed the session.

The Bombers' first practice match will be played behind closed doors against Carlton at Ikon Park on Thursday next week.