The Bombers took their season preparations up a notch with a 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 also featuring.

All eight recruits were in action, while captain Dyson Heppell made a strong return from the foot injury that hampered his 2020 season.

REPORT + HIGHLIGHTS: MATCH SIMULATION SESSION

Check out AFL Media's snaps from the session below.

The Bombers' next hitout will come in a behind-closed-doors practice match against Carlton at Ikon Park on Thursday next week.