THERE wasn't much for Melbourne fans to smile about in the second quarter, with the Eagles dominating the first 20 minutes, kicking five goals to nothing.

But youngster Jeremy Howe provided the red and blue faithful with a rare highlight when he launched himself over West Coast defender Mitch Brown and took a brilliant mark at centre half-forward.

His subsequent kick inside attacking 50 wasn't great, but a couple of minutes later he again stood tall and took a great contested mark and was able to give the Demons their first goal for the term, breaking the Eagle's run of eight consecutive majors.