Seven Essendon players have been charged with engaging in a melee in the wake of the half-time brawl between Bomber and Western Bulldog players.

Sixteen players in total will front the tribunal as a result of the incident - nine Western Bulldog players were also cited for taking part in the melee.

Essendon's John Barnes, Blake Caracella, Michael Long, Sean Wellman, Mark Mercuri, Mark Johnson and Gary Moorcroft were cited by AFL investigations officer Rick Lewis.

Bulldog's Adam Contessa, Scott Wynd, Steve Kolynuik, Jose Romero, Nathan Brown, Steve Kretiuk, Matthew Croft, Scott West and Trent Bartlett will also front the tribunal.

The charges will be heard by the AFL tribunal tonight.