No.2 draft pick Georgie Prespakis in action during the Bombers' recent semi-final against Collingwood. (Photo: Ben Johnstone)

Essendon's women's football program has received a glowing endorsement, with six VFLW Bombers selected in Tuesday night's AFLW draft.

Star ball-winner Georgie Prespakis headlined the group as the No.2 pick (Geelong), with Zali Friswell (pick No.7, Geelong), Emelia Yassir (pick No.16, Richmond), Tara Slender (pick No.19, North Melbourne), Elizabeth Snell (pick No.27, Western Bulldogs) and Tahlia Gillard (pick No.42, Melbourne) also finding new homes.

All six draftees have balanced playing commitments with Essendon and their respective NAB League clubs this season, featuring mainly in the back half of the VFLW season and the Bombers' maiden finals campaign.

Prespakis, the younger sister of Carlton's Madison Prespakis, has been a driving force in particular in Essendon's journey to a preliminary final, averaging 18 disposals and 12 tackles across the Bombers' two finals games.

08:17

Behind the Bombers | First VFLW finals win

A behind-the-scenes look at the VFLW Bombers' thrilling win over Casey in their first-ever final.

VFLW operations manager Charlotte Miller said the Bombers' strong representation at the AFLW draft was a testament to the strength of their women's football program, with Essendon poised to enter the AFLW competition as early as 2022.

"It's really special for us and it shows the depth and strength of our program. It's really exciting for us to see these girls get picked up but also quite devastating to see people you've spent time with and energy developing then go off to other clubs," Miller said.

"We understand that's (development) the purpose of our program right now and that will change (with an AFLW licence). Hopefully we'll get to see these girls in the future again."

01:04

AFLW. 2022. We're ready.

The Bombers officially submit their bid for an AFLW licence in 2022.

The six draftees will be allowed to complete their VFLW finals campaign with Essendon, as the Bombers prepare for a preliminary final against Geelong at Windy Hill on Saturday.

Should Essendon prevail, it will face Collingwood at North Port Oval on Sunday, August 8 in the VFLW Grand Final.

BOMBERS TAKEN IN AFLW DRAFT

Georgie Prespakis
Pick: No.2, Geelong
Position: Midfielder
Drafted from: Calder Cannons/Essendon
Games played with Essendon this season: Four

Zali Friswell
Pick: No.7, Geelong
Position: Midfielder
Drafted from: Calder Cannons/Essendon
Games played with Essendon this season: Seven

Emelia Yassir
Pick: No.16, Richmond
Position: Forward/mid
Drafted from: Calder Cannons/Essendon
Games played with Essendon this season: Six

Tara Slender
Pick: No.19, North Melbourne
Position: Forward
Drafted from: Bendigo Pioneers/Essendon
Games played with Essendon this season: Three

Elizabeth Snell
Pick: No.27, Western Bulldogs
Position: Forward/mid
Drafted from: Bendigo Pioneers/Essendon
Games played with Essendon this season: Four

Tahlia Gillard
Pick: No.42, Melbourne
Position: Ruck
Drafted from: Calder Cannons/Essendon
Games played with Essendon this season: Three